Martin Sheen and Anthony Edwards Throw Star Power Behind Direct Relief International

Direct Relief International
Wednesday, 26 December 2001

Stars Concerned About Afghan Refugees

While many celebrities are raising money for events related to 9-11, two stars are also putting their weight behind and raising awareness for the established international medical relief agency, Direct Relief International.

Recently, Direct Relief International has been directly involved in the Afghanistan refugee relief effort and is reaching out to those who have been displaced in refugee camps as a result of the war.

The non-profit that has been quietly providing medical assistance for over 50 years to some of the most desperate scenes of poverty, disaster, war, famine, and disease recently got strong support from two of Hollywood's top television stars.

"It is truly gratifying that these two top stars are lending their voices to assist in the immediate medical needs of people in dire need around the world," said Thomas Tighe, President of Direct Relief International. "With winter beginning, the situation in Afghanistan may reach crisis proportions and it is vital that adequate medical supplies be available to the refugees."

Both Sheen and Edwards narrate Public Service Announcements for the Santa Barbara based Direct Relief International. The television and radio spots begin airing this month in selected media markets across the country. While one PSA is general in nature, the other highlights the plight of the Afghanistan refugees, particularly the children of Afghanistan.

Direct Relief International was just named among the top 100 non-profits in the United States by Worth Magazine and was also listed on the Chronicle of Philanthropy's list of top 400 national charities.

Established in 1948 by two immigrant businessmen who fled Europe at the onset of WWII, Direct Relief International, a non-sectarian nonprofit, provides medical material resources to local health workers in poor countries and in response to disasters. This year, the organization has provided more than $72 million (wholesale value) in medical aid to 57 countries – enough provisions to serve more than 9 million people and to keep hundreds of local health professionals productively engaged.

For more information, or to contact Direct Relief International, see their website at: www.directrelief.org