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Ben & Jerry's

Posted September 28th, 2007 by cherylfrushon

Half a world away from Vermont, a humanitarian crisis continues in the Darfur region of Sudan. Millions of people have been dislocated and hundreds of thousands killed in a conflict that has spiraled downward into genocide.

Another half a world away from Darfur, China is preparing to host the 2008 Summer Olympics that will carry the theme, "One World, One Dream." But is this just a hollow slogan?

Unfortunately, China is failing to do all in its power to bring the Olympic dream of peace to Darfur.

China has considerable influence over the Sudanese government and, therefore, it could play a leading role in ending the carnage in Darfur. So far, China has refused to use the full measure of its influence, in effect allowing the crisis to continue.

Ben & Jerry’s is supporting the efforts of the Save Darfur Coalition, Dream for Darfur, and STAND (A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition) who believe the time has come to turn up the pressure on China to lead the way towards peace in Darfur.

These groups have organized a symbolic Olympic torch relay that will travel from Darfur to Beijing, China over the next several months, visiting the sites of previous world genocides along the way. A similar relay will visit 25 U.S. cities in the fall of 2007. Both will bring the message that the people of Darfur need the world’s attention – and China’s utmost efforts to influence the government of Sudan.
What is Ben & Jerry’s doing about Darfur?
Ben & Jerry’s will be present with our Scoop Truck at six torch relay stops in the U.S. to show our solidarity with the people of Darfur and to help raise awareness about this crisis. We’ll join Darfur activists in New York, Burlington, Concord (NH), Boston, Portland (OR) and Washington, DC.

Ben & Jerry’s is also helping to build momentum for peace in Darfur within the business community by sponsoring a resolution and circulating it among U.S. companies. The resolution calls on the U.S., China, and the world community to use economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure to protect the people of Darfur.
What can you do?

one... Join the torch relay as it passes through your area. A full schedule of the relay can be found here.

two ... Learn more about the crisis in Darfur and find opportunities to take action through Olympic Dream for Darfur.
The Mission of the Ben & Jerry's Foundation is to make the world a better place by empowering Ben & Jerry's employees to use available resources to support and encourage organizations that are working towards eliminating the underlying causes of environmental and social problems.

About the Foundation

Ben & Jerry's Foundation was established in 1985 through a donation of stock in Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. These funds are used as an endowment. In addition, Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. makes yearly donations at its board's discretion of over $1.1 million dollars, adjusted upward annually for sales growth and inflation. The Foundation receives a portion of these funds. (An additional portion is earmarked for the employee-led Community Action Teams. The CATs distribute small grants to community groups within the state of Vermont. Please write to the Community Action Teams c/o Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. at the address above for more information). - More information on Ben & Jerry's Foundation
three ... Spread the word about Darfur to others!