City of DC commits to sending 10,000 nets at Kick-off Rally

Beneath sunny skies at the US Navy Memorial – one of the most highly-trafficked areas in Washington, DC – Nothing But Nets and local partners kicked off the DC City Tour yesterday with an awesome announcement: the city of DC is committing to raising funds to send 10,000 bed nets to refugees in Africa through our campaign and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

To get things started, Executive Director of Nothing But Nets Elizabeth Gore thanked all of our partners and supporters for helping us to continue to send nets and save lives from malaria in Africa. UNHCR Deputy Regional Representative Thomas Albrecht applauded the efforts of the UN Foundation and Nothing But Nets and said the UN agency was proud to have us as a partner in this effort. A malaria survivor himself, Albrecht said many refugees are not so lucky, and need all the protection they can get through insecticide-treated bed nets. 

A highlight of the rally was the recognition of two local youth supporters by Mrs. Michelle Fenty, DC’s First Lady. “Malaria is a cause we must embrace,” said Mrs. Fenty. “Let’s make our own personal commitment. We need to send 10,000 nets to Africa.”

To top it off, a representative from the DC Council’s office proclaimed it Nothing But Nets Week in DC! Also present at the rally were athletes and mascots from DC sports teams including the Mystics, Wizards, Kastles and D.C. United, who had some fun with the fans shooting soccer balls into a goal guarded by Mozzie the Mosquito. Other partners included Orkin, The United Methodist Church, the Union for Reform Judaism, ExxonMobil and local philanthropist Katherine Kennedy.  

Thanks to everyone who showed up at the rally and pledged to send nets and save lives! Be sure to check back at the full list of DC City Tour eventsand keep visiting NothingButNets.net for more updates. You can RSVP on our Facebook fan page and follow us on Twitter!