Press Release: A Little Can Make a Difference on World Poverty Day

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TEAR Fund is urging Kiwis to take a positive step in helping to eradicate poverty, to mark International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (October 17).

The observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to October 17, 1987, when more than a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger.

TEAR Fund acting executive director Jon Horne said, “Eradicating poverty may seem like an overwhelming goal but if each person does a little, they can make a difference in the fight against poverty. There has been significant progress made over the past 20 years with the number of people of extreme poor falling dramatically; however the global credit crunch in the west has impacted hard on developing nations forcing many below the extreme poverty line where many can’t adequately feed their families.”

He said, “The encouraging thing is that a little can go a long way in developing nations and any sacrifice, whether it’s going without buying a coffee a day a week or forgoing a take out meal once a month, can feed a poor family overseas for days.”

Visit www.tearfund.org.nz or phone 0800 80 777 to find out the many ways you can make a difference.

For more information or comment, contact Journalist/Public Relations Officer Keith Ramsay on 09 620 3008 or 021 757 809.