Lewis backs call to help hungry

Tuesday 8th May 2012

Homeland actor Damian Lewis is urging people to help millions of children and families who are struggling to feed themselves in West Africa.

The British-born actor, who plays Sergeant Nicholas Brody in the American programme which had its series finale on May 6, is calling on people to sponsor children in the region, which is facing a food crisis.

Damian and his family sponsor 11-year-old Marie in Burkina Faso through charity Plan UK, which helps children in the world's poorest countries to build a better future.

Marie is among 13 million people at risk across the region as food supplies are running short, according to the children's charity.

Damian said: "It's hard to get a grip on the sheer scale of this crisis. What we do know is that in Burkina Faso alone, more than two million people are at risk.

"Poor rains have decimated the cereal crop on which families depend for meals, the last harvest only produced half the amount they'd normally expect.

"As ever, children are the most vulnerable. Marie's family has been hit hard by the poor harvest. Child sponsorship helps with long-term projects to help families stave off hunger but families need help now to survive."

Mark Wentling, Plan's country director in Burkina Faso, said: "Our work so far has focused on providing food and supplies for school canteens to ensure children are getting the nutrients they need.

"But families' supplies are fast running out and they need help now to avert a catastrophe over the coming months."

To make a donation or for more information call 0300 777 9777 or visit http://www.plan-uk.org.

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