Buy a pumpkin this Halloween, make a difference in Bangladesh!

Press release, 15 October 2009

As youngsters gear up to celebrate Halloween by carving pumpkins - spare a thought for families in Bangladesh, where pumpkins are proving to be real lifesavers.

International development charity Practical Action is working with communities in Bangladesh to grow and sell pumpkins, helping people fight their way out of poverty.

Climate change has led to more flooding in Bangladesh, leaving tens of thousands of people homeless every year - with no land to farm. When the flood water recedes, sandy and barren land is left behind, almost impossible to grow any crops on.

Yet a simple solution to provide families with seeds and compost has meant families can grow pumpkins. For just 24 pence to dig and plant seeds, hundred of farmers are now seeing the benefits - last year alone the crop was worth more than £1 million, giving people food to eat and sell.

Stephen Harvey, Practical Action's head of fundraising, said: "This Halloween give people in Bangladesh a thought when you're carving your pumpkins, as they are proving a lifeline for thousands as climate change hits them hardest."

To help spread the word about this ingenious - yet simple - solution ahead of Halloween, Facebook users can get their own Practical Action pumpkin this Halloween - and support the charity's work: apps.facebook.com/practicalaction/

Perfect Pumpkins can also be bought through the charity's Practical Presents scheme. www.practicalpresents.org.uk

More information: Jane Eason, Practical Action Media Officer, 01926 634510, Out of Hours: 07970 285823, E-mail: jane.eason@practicalaction.org.uk