Edmonton Philanthropist Jesse Willms Donates $1,500 To Help Fight Starvation In The Horn Of Africa
Online, August 17, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Noted local businessman and philanthropist Jesse Willms has decided to help the World Food Programme feed people in the drought-stricken Horn Of Africa, and hopes others will follow his lead.
"There is a disaster of epic proportions happening in the Horn Of Africa right now that many people are not aware of," Willms said. "But, it doesn't take that much to help and if we work together, we can make sure that starvation does not devastate the region."
The Horn of Africa has been the victim of an ongoing drought and civil war in Somalia that has put more than 13 million people at risk of starvation.
"That's a staggering number," Willms said. "The global community needs to come together right now to help fight this problem. That's why I'm proud to have donated $1,500 to the World Food Programme today."
The World Food Programme is working to make sure that nobody in the region has to face starvation. They have the means to bring in food by sea, road and air to reach the people who really need it.
"What's amazing is how little it takes to make a difference," Willms said. "It costs just 50 cents a day to feed someone in the region. If someone donates just $100, that will help keep 200 human beings from starving to death. We need to do what we can to help and make a difference."
Willms is well known in the Edmonton community. He started his first business in his parents' basement when he was only 16 years old. By the time he was 22 he had turned it into a multimillion-dollar business.
Last year he was inspired by the words of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to start giving back to the community. Since then he has donated a large sum of his profit to local and global non-profit groups and spent dozens of hours volunteering his time at organizations like Habitat For Humanity and local homeless shelters.
"We all have an obligation to be global citizens," Jesse said. "Life isn't about making money. It's about doing what you can to leave your mark and help make the world a better place. I'm not simply a citizen of Canada; I am a citizen of the world."
Willms said that he hopes other people will realize how easy it is to help in disaster zones like the Horn Of Africa and do what they can.
"If you can't donate money, that's fine," Willms said. "At least help build awareness for what's going on. Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers and inspire them to do what they can as well."
For more information on the World Food Programme and to find out how you can help, please visit JesseWillms.com.
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