 OPERATIONHOPE1985.COM
CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF OPERATION HOPE
In October1984, Africa was facing the biggest famine of modern times. United Nations aid officials described the situation in the sub-Sahara as the most massive catastrophe in the history of humankind. Against this tragedy New Zealand chartered a Union Steam Ship Company freighter the M.V Ngahere and loaded it with local produce, public donations worth $1.25 million, and $1 million of government donations. In May 1985 the freighter arrived on the red sea shores at Port Sudan, bringing hope to 4 million refugees.
This website is being built to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this relief mission – Operation Hope.
New Zealand should be proud of what it achieved in the summer of 1985.
With the help of countless volunteers and generous donations, New Zealand had grown a simple dinner party idea into a relief mission equalling Live Aid in terms of size of contribution.
OperationHope1985.com aims to serve as a place for anyone interested in New Zealand's charitable history, as well as anyone interested in getting their own philanthropic project off the ground; seeking inspiration.
Operationhope1985.com asks that anyone with memories of the relief mission – whether from the planning stages, gathering donations or on deck on the Ngahare - come forward and contribute to the content of this website in preparation for a 25th anniversary celebration of the relief mission next year.
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