11 Dec 2008 - Not On Our Watch, founded by Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Jerry Weintraub and David Pressman, has awarded the International Rescue Committee $260,000 to support critical health services at seven clinics in North Darfur.

"As the conflict in Darfur continues, victims of violence remain desperately in need of basic support services," says Matt Damon.

"The International Rescue Committee has been a lifeline to the people of Darfur for five years and we are proud to once again support their vital work," said Not On Our Watch executive director Alex Wagner.

Not On Our Watch donated $2.75 million to the International Rescue Committee's health, water supply and education programs in the Darfur region last year. In 2006, George Clooney visited IRC aid programs in Chad and Sudan, launching a partnership that continues through Not On Our Watch.

"We are grateful to Not On Our Watch for putting a spotlight on humanitarian crises and generating significant resources to assist some of the world's most vulnerable people," says George Rupp, president of the International Rescue Committee. "This donation will help IRC aid workers in Darfur to expand essential health care programs for some 200,000 people, including sick and malnourished children who too often succumb to preventable and treatable diseases."

How to help:

Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar through December 31 and will directly support the IRC's humanitarian mission to the people of Darfur.

Media contact:

For more information contact Melissa Winkler, 212-551-0972 , 646-734-0305 or melissa.winkler@theIRC.org

About the International Rescue Committee: A global leader in humanitarian assistance, the International Rescue Committee works in 42 countries offering help and hope to refugees and others uprooted by conflict and oppression. During crises, IRC teams provide lifesaving services and healing programs for children. As emergencies subside, the IRC stays to revive livelihoods and help shattered communities recover and rebuild. The IRC also helps resettle refugees admitted into the United States. A tireless advocate for the most vulnerable, the IRC is committed to restoring hope, dignity and opportunity.

The IRC launched humanitarian aid programs in Darfur in early 2004, and continues to provide vital health, water, sanitation and education services for more than 650,000 people affected by the ongoing crisis.