MySpace Bands Raise Money for Sudan Crisis

Following last week's Darfur warning by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the public became more aware that the war-stricken nation is creeping ever closer to catastrophe, with rape and violence on the rise and humanitarian access at its lowest level since 2004.

As part of a campaign to raise awareness and money for humanitarian relief in Sudan, popular online hangout MySpace.com will organise 20 concerts featuring bands promoted on its site.

The site, which grew in popularity due to early adoption by emerging bands and their fans, has in recent months taken a more active role in promoting social causes, such as environmental awareness and voter registration.

"The crisis in Darfur is a global concern and as a global community we have a responsibility to take action," Chris DeWolfe, MySpace's chief executive, said in a statement. "MySpace's reach gives us an extraordinary opportunity to spread the word and empower individuals to help address the horrors in Darfur."

Some 2.5 million people have been made homeless by three years of fighting between the Sudanese government and rebel groups in the vast, arid Darfur region of western Sudan. At least another 200,000 people have been killed since hostilities erupted.
The concerts will take place 21 October, mainly in the United States. A Canadian show will also take place in Toronto.

Bands agreed to donate part of their ticket proceeds to Oxfam's relief efforts in Sudan and neighbouring Chad.

Numerous Christian organisations like Christian Aid, World Vision, and Tearfund have supported the Sudan crisis in the past years.