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As the devastating reality of the Gaza conflict hits home, The List asks its readers to take a moment and do something to provide aid.
Words: Anna Millar
aza has never been far from the
headlines over the last month.
whether it be the heart-wrenching images on the news. the BBC‘s controversial decision not to can‘y a televised film appeal for help. or the political lobbying of some of Scotland‘s actors in protest.
Amidst the conflict. The List is pleased to report that Edinburgh-based global relief and development agency Mercy Corps have been awarded funding of almost L‘l million from the Department for International Development (DIIID) to aid the agency's emergency response in Gaza.
Mervyn Lee. executive director of Mercy Corps' European Headquarters said: ‘The grant will enable us to reach out to over 50.000 of the most vulnerable populations in Gaza. Our dedicated group of staff in the region are primed and ready to start these projects and transition Mercy Corps‘ response front relief into recovery.‘ The grant from DFID will fund two Mercy Corps projects in Gaza over the next nine months. The first will improve living conditions and will make special access provision for those with disabilities. The second will be a programme for children. and adults to help give them the emotional tools they need to cope with the crisis.
Mercy C orps‘ European Headquarters has been working in Gaza since October 2006
funded by the European Commission
Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) which DIJID contributes to.
Mercy Corps’ Neal Keny-Guyer visited Gaza recently and said: “I've never felt people so dazed. so shocked. so fearful and so concerned about the future.‘
As Mercy Corps gears up its aid on the frontline. closer to home actors such as Peter Mullan and Tam Dean Burn continue to lobby the BBC. ‘We are absolutely appalled at the decision by the BBC to refuse to broadcast the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for Gaza." the open letter states. ‘We will never work for the BBC again unless this disgraceful decision is reversed.‘
Those wishing to make a donation can do so at www.dec.org.uk or www.mercycorps.org.uk
SMIRHOFI‘ are launching a new initiative to celebrate up-and- coming nightlife promoters as part of the Smirnoff Original Nights programme. The initiative's panel. presiding over ten monthly bursaries of £2000, includes Radio 1's Rob da Bank, Don‘t Panic founder Nick Agha and Cream honcho James Barton. For more information see www.facebook.co m/smirnofforigina Inights
ORBITAL WILL HEADLINE this year’s RockNess. The electro duo are set to join The Prodigy, Biffy Clyro, Basement Jaxx and Dizzee Rascal for an appearance that coincides with the 20th anniversary of their debut single 'Chime’.
T U N N O C K’ S BISCUITS have donated a five- figure sum to the National Trust for Scotland towards the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum after it was revealed that both the company's managing director Boyd Tunnock and his grandson Colin share the Bard's birthday.
Noticeboard ‘
PICTURE PERFECT I Works by Andy Warhol, Damien
Hirst and Alex some of those museums and
Kast will be just on show across 18 galleries throughout
the UK in 30 Artist Rooms, as part of the Anthony d'Offay collection, gifted to the nation last year, goes on display. It will be the first time a national collection has been shared and shown simultaneously across the UK. The opening displays at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh this Spring will include work by Hirst, Vija Celmins, Ellen Gallagher, Katz, Francesca
Woodman and include works
Warhol, and will such as Hirst's
iconic Away from the Flock. See www.nationalgalIeries.org/artistroo
ms.
ammo ma mom NOTES Tune Up returns this month, with a stellar line-up of Scottish stars. Running from
Feb-Jun,
the season
of 12 tours features Iames Yorkston and Lisa Knapp, reunited following their work at the BBC Electric Proms. www. tuneup.org.uk
Visit us daily for arts & entertainment news
19 Feb 2003 THE LIST 7