PRESS RELEASE
Gambia Democracy Fund – GDF, would like to thank all our donors who dug deep into their pockets to donate towards #GambiaRising events that have been ongoing since 4/14/16. With every movement, it is the will of the people that makes it successful. During this fundraising marathon, we have seen people donate multiple times! GDF in collaboration with Protesters in The Gambia, sought your help to stand up against the murder, beating and maiming of INNOCENT Gambians. PEACEFUL protesting is a fundamental human right.
Thus far, GDF has disbursed funds as follows:
- On 4/18/2016, GDF donated $500 to UDP. This amount was an urgent disbursement that came out of funds not associated with the current fundraising drive.
- On 4/18 /2016, 4/25/16, and 5/11/16, GDF disbursed $5000 on each of those dates to UDP. The funds were used to mobilize protesters, help with the welfare of families detained, and to offset food expenses at demonstration venues. Like a GDF member said on one of the radios last week “I felt very proud to know that the money I donated helped families.” We are quite confident our donors felt the same sentiment.
Every time UDP submits requests for disbursement of funds, GDF convenes emergency meetings to debate and vote for the release of funds. Our methodology includes asking UDP what the funds being requested will be expended towards. The reason behind this strategy is simply because GDF DOES NOT AND WILL NOT support raising funds for activities that involve violence. Thus, be rest assured that your funds will be used towards peaceful events like those happening in the Gambia right now. Although The Yahya Jammeh government is not democratic and has instilled violence on GambiaRising protesters, GDF strongly believes that the methods used in our fight through peace will prevail at the end. Your continuous help with donations will make our goal of having our country back come to fruition.
As we write this press release, GDF will be raising funds for 4 families on Saturday, May 21, 2016 AND WE ARE INVITING YOUR MEDIUM to join a fundraising simulcast from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Although the donors hold most of the success to GDF’s ability to successfully raise funds, we would like to use this opportunity to thank all the Diaspora Radio networks who have been with GDF since the beginning. Like the saying goes, “time is money” and the endless hours your media expended on GDF events is worthy of commendation. Whenever when reach out, you have willingly posted our announcements and participated in simulcasts. Thank you!
PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE participation in Saturday’s simulcast by replying to the message containing this press release.
We pray for a Gambia where our people will live without fear. We hope for a Gambia where our people will live peacefully.
Sincerely,
Gambia Democracy Fund – GDF