I got this emailed to me this morning from Red Cross - some of you may have seen it, but for those that haven't ... it gives an idea of how they're using the donated funds and how it's helping.
Seemed apt considering the event is tonight and this is what it's all about.
14 January 2005
Dear supporter
Australian Red Cross sincerely thanks you for your generous donation to the Asia Quake and Tsunamis Appeal.
Together, we have contributed to the immediate response that has seen over 9,000 volunteers providing survivors with medical aid, medicines, fresh water, food and emergency shelter in the region. This initial relief recovery phase will continue over the next three to six months. Going forward your doantion will provide for rehabilitation and long term recovery of communitities. This long term phase may take at least 5 years.
We would like to give you regular updates about the ways Red Cross is assisting those affected and how your support will help.
SOME QUICK FACTS
* 47 Red Cross relief flights sent out to affected regions with 15 more scheduled
* Logistics airbase on Batam Island with use of a C-130 plane and 2 helicopters
* Some 14 Emergency Response Units specialising in water purification, health care, logistics and telecommunications have been deployed
* In Sri Lanka 40,000 more people being assisted and housed in 66 Red Cross camps
* 350 tons of relief goods have reached affected areas of Thailand
* A boatload of relief supplies including kitchen and family kits, food and blankets for 14,000 people delivered to Banda Aceh
** Global Red Cross and Red Crescent response (10 Jan 2005) ** In the first two weeks since the disaster the Red Cross reached some 200,000 people affected by the tsunamis.
http://1.redcross.org.au/?fuseaction=NE ... ws&sub=355
** A town swallowed by the sea**
A sobering eye witness account from Ian Woolverton, Australian Red Cross, in Indonesia - during his trip to a remote town of Meulaboh.
http://www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_ ... story4.htm
** What your donation buys ** http://www.redcross.org.au/images/bdy/t ... n_help.pdf
** Please share this email**
The Australian Red Cross Asia Quake and Tsunamis Appeal is still open. Please feel free to share this information with friends or colleagues who may also be interested.
For all the latest updates please visit the special section on Asia Quake and Tsunamis Appeals on our website:
http://www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_ ... unamis.htm
Australian Red Cross actively provides services throughout Australia and overseas. To find out more about the SA Bushfire Appeal and our other community services please visit http://www.redcross.org.au