Utah groups raising funds to eliminate land mines

While the public debate continues to rage over America's military involvement in Iraq, at least one consequence of war there and elsewhere isn't in dispute — it scars the land and civilians with deadly land mines.

So one local group is hoping Utahns will support its drive next week to help put those mines out of commission. The United Nations Association of Utah and the Gandhi Alliance for Peace will hold a "Night of a Thousand Desserts" at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at the Sugarhouse Garden Center, 1600 E. 2100 South.

Zach Hudson, program manager for the U.N. Association's "Adopt-A-Minefield" initiative, will speak, and musical entertainment will be featured as patrons enjoy homemade desserts and donate to further the cause.

Hudson told the Deseret Morning News that the global effort to eliminate land mines has grown since its chief advocate — Princess Diana — was killed several years ago. "She was certainly a remarkable woman who added a lot to mine action and really got people involved. But the issue hasn't withered."

In fact, Hudson's group raised about $5 million last year to clear land mines and help the tens of thousands of victims who are maimed each year by devices that — in some cases — have been hiding in the ground for decades. To date, the initiative has reclaimed 5,190 acres of land formerly scattered with mines in six nations, including Afghanistan.

Deb Sawyer with the local Gandhi Alliance said fund raising in Utah began in March 2002, after 9/11. "None of the hijackers (from 9/11) were Afghans, but al-Qaida was able to function there because it was in such social chaos. They have suffered from war for over 20 years, and we wanted to see what we could do."

To date, Utahns have given just over $150,000, and several local congregations have partnered with the effort including Presbyterians, Catholics, Lutherans and Unitarians. The LDS Church gave $5,000 at the outset, she said.

Annual fund raising includes a major dinner event in November, as well as presentations to com- munity and church groups. To RSVP for the dessert event, call 483-2245. Donations can also be sent to the Gandhi Alliance for Peace, P.O. Box 522085, Salt Lake City, UT 84152.

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E-mail: carrie@desnews.com