Innovation: Humanitarian Assistance Award

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Minneapolis-Eldoret Sister City Program has won Sister Cities 2011 Innovation: Humanitarian Assistance Award for a city with population between 100,001- 500,000. The Innovation awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding community and individual sister city programs that promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

From 2009 to 2011, the City of Minneapolis donated firefighting equipment and a used fire truck to its sister city, Eldoret, Kenya. The City also worked with organizations such as Allina Medical Transportation and the International Leadership Institute (ILI) to facilitate the donation of an ambulance and medical supplies. The Minneapolis Fire Department in partnership with the ILI developed a three-phase training module for Eldoret locals on firefighting skills, first aid, emergency response, and maintenance of the donated fire truck.

The donations and training stemmed from a request in 2008 from a visiting Eldoret delegation. The delegation expressed their concerns related to fire suppression, health care and access to schools and requested a used fire truck.

The City of Minneapolis now wants to continue these assistance activities and formulate a comprehensive approach to partner with Eldoret to create a regional emergency response training program in Kenya.

The Sister Cities International Annual Awards are awarded in several categories. Award winners will be honored at a special luncheon ceremony on July 14 during the Sister Cities International 56th Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida.

About Sister Cities International

Sister Cities International facilitates nearly 2,000 partnerships in 136 countries on six continents between 600 communities in the United States with similar municipalities abroad. Sister Cities International mission of creating world peace and cultural understanding through economic and sustainable development programs, youth and education projects, arts and culture, and humanitarian assistance.

Facebook: Sister Cities International; Twitter: @SisterCityIntl; Website: www.sister-cities.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Megha Swamy
mswamy@sister-cities.org
202-347-8637

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