The extensive work by LDS Charities to improve women’s lives worldwide is being discussed in an event at the United Nations in New York City today, 6 March 2013.
Sharon Eubank, director of Humanitarian Services, leads a discussion with other international representatives in a corresponding event associated with the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women.
Joining Eubank are Charles T. Ntwaagae, Botswana's ambassador to the United Nations; Anna Thompson-Quaye, deputy director of the GAVI Alliance, a Geneva-based agency that provides vaccines to children in poor countries; and Dennis C. and Nancy C. Hughes, LDS humanitarian medical trainers.
Every year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides assistance to people all over the world affected by natural disasters, war and famine. Those suffering are helped regardless of nationality or religion.
People who are hungry or who are facing loss of home, family and livelihood need to know that God cares about them. Eubank said people need to have an experience that provides evidence that “God is aware of them and loves them. A humanitarian project is a way for that to happen.”
During 2012, the Church provided victims of 104 disasters in 52 countries with hundreds of thousands of pounds of food, water, clothing, medical supplies, hygiene kits and other relief items. In addition, local Church leaders organized thousands of member volunteers to distribute aid and assist those affected by these disasters, with over 1.3 million volunteer hours of service donated (worth an estimated $28 million).
The Church’s Helping Hands program enlists Latter-day Saints as well as members from communities to help their friends and neighbors when they need assistance.
The Deseret News gives further information about the U.N. event.