Dispatchers-
What is up everybody?! Greetings and much turkey love to all in the 'Patch!
We just want to say a quick thanks to all of you guys for being family to us, for playing it loud, and for keeping the Dispatch legacy alive and well. It is really humbling to see how the music continues to take a life of its own in and through all of you, and that you guys are willing to walk with us wherever we go. We can't tell you how much your interest in supporting the Dispatch Foundation has meant to us as we've tried to find our place in the fight for the people of Zimbabwe. It's been a difficult year to watch all that has transpired there, but we're still going to hold to hope and keep vigilant.
State Radio, Pete Francis & Braddigan have all had a wonderful 2008 as well; many good shows, adventures, and benefits that we've all gotten to be part of.
You guys have re-written the books as to what the power of one can accomplish... So just keep confounding them all, keep giving it... keep bringing it... keep walking it.... because there is nothing you can't do standing unified! So keep that beat going and thanks for bringing us along with you...
We are thankful for much. Here's to an epic 2009 and many Thanksgiving wishes to all of you and your families!
Pete, Chad, & Brad
Thank You for an amazing 2008.
Over the last year, we have joined with you in speaking out against human rights violations, unfair elections, and worsening health conditions. Together we raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and helped save the life of a promising young man. We sent thousands of emails on your behalf to the United Nations and the US Congress. We have held benefit concerts and awareness nights. Because of your support, orphans are being fed and are going to school; children are learning how to communicate about HIV; textbooks are distributed to schools in rural towns, and Manual is walking and communicating.
All along, this has been your Foundation. Thank you for the support. We are excited to see what you do next in 2009.
The Latest News from Zimbabwe
Schools are closed. Supermarket shelves are empty. Hospitals have no gloves, medicines, bandages or disinfectant.
The power-sharing compromise between the ruling and opposition parties appears to have unraveled.
A cholera outbreak is spreading due to deteriorating sewer systems and the onset of the rainy season.
Join Zimbabwe’s Song
Zimbabwe needs your help. Last December, we together helped save one boy’s life. This December, help us provide urgently needed emergency food and nutrition relief.
We have identified three organizations that are working on the ground now to supply much needed nutrition and food aid. Each of these organizations provides food and nutrition relief for one person for less than 1 dollar per day. We are excited to announce that The Dispatch Foundation will match each dollar received, doubling the impact of your gift.
MAKE A DONATION TODAY HERE.
There is a massive food shortage, due to 2 years of poor harvests and floods. And, inflation has reached 231 million percent, preventing many Zimbabweans from buying food.
The World Food Program (WFP) estimates 45% of the population is malnourished and in desperate need of food, but funding shortfalls have forced rationing of stockpiles and there is no food for January or February.
The recipient organizations are:
Elias Fund and the Elias Fund Trust (Southwest)
The program is 3 years old, created and directed by a native Zimbabwean and provides food assistance to families whose head of household is blind.
Forgotten Voices (Southeast)
This organization provides emergency food relief to rural orphans and vulnerable children.
UNICEF (Countrywide)
Since 1984, UNICEF has been working to bring Zimbabwe’s children lifesaving programs, such as nutrition relief assistance in times of crisis. Currently, UNICEF supports 70 therapeutic feeding centers in Zimbabwe.
