PHILADELPHIA (November 14, 2001) -- The Pew Charitable Trusts today announced a $500,000 grant to CARE to provide emergency relief for Afghan refugees. The grant will provide food to civilians who have been displaced during the war.

The current military action, coupled with the worst drought in recent history, a devastated economy and a non-existent infrastructure due to years of warfare, is stretching the already fragile relief work now underway -- efforts that are essential to the survival of much of that country's civilian population, particularly women and children.

While the United States and its allies are engaged in a war against terrorism, our government has been clear that the citizens of Afghanistan are not the enemy and need humanitarian assistance. CARE has developed and managed relief and longer-term programs in Afghanistan and its neighboring countries for decades and has the ability to quickly move supplies to those in need.

"The war on terror must be waged, but tens of thousands of innocent Afghans desperately need our help," said Rebecca W. Rimel, president and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Of Afghanistan’s estimated population of 25 million, more than 5 million already need humanitarian assistance to survive, including 1 million people displaced from their homes. According to UN estimates, the war will add 2 million more people to the vulnerable caseload, bringing the total to nearly 7.5 million in need of food and other assistance. UNICEF estimates nearly 20 percent of those affected are children under the age of 5.

CARE, one of the world's largest international humanitarian organizations, helps people and communities achieve lasting solutions to poverty. In 2000, CARE programs benefited more than 27 million people in more than 60 countries. CARE has worked in Afghanistan for nearly 30 years and has nearly 400 staff in the country. Since 1963, The Trusts have provided CARE more than $3.2 million for various humanitarian efforts worldwide.

The Pew Charitable Trusts (www.pewtrusts.com) support nonprofit activities in the areas of culture, education, the environment, health and human services, public policy and religion. Based in Philadelphia, the Trusts make strategic investments to help organizations and citizens develop practical solutions to difficult problems. In 2001, with approximately $4.1 billion in assets, the Trusts committed over $230 million to nonprofit organizations.

Media Contact:

At Pew Charitable Trusts:		Jim Bornemeier		(215) 575-4818
At CARE:		Alina Labrada		(404) 979-9383 labrada@care.org.