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International Disaster Relief / Matching Funds

Hope all of you are enjoying your holidays so far. The Southeast Asian Quake and Tsunami reminds us that “civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.” This incident hurts even more as a lot of the poor and uneducated who perished did so not knowing what a tsunami is. They, mostly youngsters, thought it was something cool to witness and actually walked towards the ocean to get a better glimpse.

Just wanted to let you know that if you are planning on giving to the Red Cross or an equivalent disaster relief fund, please find out whether your employer will offer matching funds. If not, please think about giving your money to someone who can acquire matching funds before sending the money over. Lots of companies will give up to $500 in matching funds for this sort of effort. With today’s exchange rates, your donation is worth a lot to the average Asian.

Some of us have ties to southeast Asia by being, you know, southeast Asian. My grandma (father’s mother) was evacuated out of her beachfront home, and my parents, who currently reside two blocks from the Bay of Bengal in Chennai (SE India) are busy feeding and clothing the homeless who have set up makeshift homes right outside my parents’ house. While only 300 or so people died in Chennai (3000 total in the state of Tamil Nadu), beachfront homes up and down the coast have been damaged or washed away and the imminence of disease epidemics reigns supreme. Add to that being unable to leave their home due to the threat of looting, and you can understand the collective dilemma that a lot of Asians face even if not directly hit by the tsunami.

2004 was a tough year in terms of climatological disasters. Here’s hoping that the new year brings with it natural and manmade peace.

ReliefWeb – South Asia: Earthquake and Tsunami Updates

5 comments… add one
  • Anonymous January 4, 2005, 8:22 AM

    I passed this along to my Peace Corps groups

    I couldn’t barely buy a stamp to put on envelope let alone a check

    June 2006 sees the end of my LONG experiment of creating two girl children without help

    until then, I will send what I can and pass such along to those who will … or something

    How’s your worry factor, girlfriend? Stay strong and keep breathing…

    Love, Sally

  • Anonymous January 4, 2005, 8:22 AM
  • Maitri January 4, 2005, 8:23 AM

    Thanks for that. Just added it to WhatchaRockin?com’s front page.

  • Anonymous January 4, 2005, 8:24 AM

    For some reason, I thought your parents lived somewhere inland, not *2 blocks* from the Bay of Bengal! I am very glad to hear that your family is ok. I assume your grandmother’s house sustained serious damage or is a total loss. Sounds like your parents’ house is ok…correct? You’re probably being innundated w/ replies, so I’ll keep this brief for now…I’ll give you a call soon.

    KZ

  • Maitri January 4, 2005, 8:26 AM

    Just last night my mother informed me that all is still well with them, but the death toll in their state and the nation of Sri Lanka is on the rise. I am now quite concerned about the living who are susceptible to all forms of disease emanating from unsanitary living conditions and, of course, improperly disposed corpses. As you know, my parents don’t usually live in India; in fact, they are trying to sell their house there, and this incident is not going to hurry along their exit.

    A lot of organizations and newspapers have set up relief funds but, if you or your family and friends are planning on giving, your best bet is still the International Red Cross / Crescent, as the money sent to them is applied fully and immediately. Additionally, the Red Cross is aware of where the money is needed the most at any given time and will utilize it appropriately.

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