As we reported last week, more than 17 million people have been affected by the Pakistan floods, and eight million of them require immediate life-saving aid, according to the United Nations. After the first accounts of the natural disaster, there seemed to be little media attention and support rallying for the devastated country. Fortunately, a group of renowned artists and cultural influencers are raising their voices to help Pakistan NOW – not later – and forming the relief and recovery initiative, you guessed it, Pakistan NOW.
Starting today, August 31st, a number of prominent and compassionate figures including Alyssa Milano, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, P. Diddy, and others will put into motion a committed “social media wave” to bring light to the UN’s efforts in Pakistan. The social media wave will be a week-long drive with daily messages about Pakistan promoted by celebrities via Twitter and Facebook. Each day, the individuals involved will focus on engaging their fans, followers, and the public, and connecting them to the UN or other organizations making a difference.
Here’s to hoping that the number of celebrities and humanitarian organizations in support of Pakistan will continue to rise. Milano, who is a Unicef Ambassador, made this PSA for the U.S. Unicef Fund.
Any funds raised by Pakistan NOW will support the United Nation’s work in Pakistan through the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), a humanitarian funding mechanism established by the United Nations to enable more timely and reliable assistance to victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. The CERF was created to ensure that funds are available immediately in response to disasters and emergencies. The Fund provides an easy and centralized way to support the UN’s life-saving efforts in humanitarian crises around the world. Whether in response to a headline disaster or a forgotten crisis, the CERF permits the UN to respond rapidly and equitably to save lives.
Starting today, you can use your voice online to spread the message about helping PAKISTAN NOW. We talk a lot about “social media for social good.” It’s time to walk the walk.
You can learn more about the how to help Pakistan NOW here and you can donate to the cause here.
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Tags: Alyssa Milano, CERF, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Pakistan Now, Twitter, UNICEF, United Nations
Great that more awareness is being put on Pakistan. I can only hope this focus is long term, and that any aid we give to them keeps long term recovery in mind.