March 1, 2005

Tsunami Aid:  $325,000 and Growing

The overwhelming generosity expressed through contributions to Oblation and World Hunger for survivors of the Indian Ocean tsunami is truly exceptional. In response to the needs of several thousands of people, members and friends have already extended a total of $325,000 to aid those affected by this disaster.

This amount will grow, as all contributions above the average to Oblation and World Hunger during February will also be added to the balance. Because of people’s unprecedented generous response, aid already totals more than three times what has been given through the church for any single disaster-relief effort.

photos by Rupa and Cordelia Kumar

Initial humanitarian aid was given in January, with a grant to the Red Cross for $75,000 and immediate assistance to church members in Sri Lanka for $20,000. The additional $230,000 ($135,000 Oblation and $95,000 World Hunger) will support programs for tsunami survivors operated by South Asia Partnership Sri Lanka (SAPSRI), Sri Lanka Centre for Development Facilitation (SLCDF), and Save the Children.

A $95,000 World Hunger grant for SAPSRI and a $60,000 Oblation grant for SLCDF will be provided through World Accord. Executive director of World Accord Terry Fielder explained that over the years of working together he has “confidence in the capacity of both of these locally managed and directed agencies.” World Accord will continue to monitor the progress of these programs. A $75,000 Oblation grant will be given to Save the Children.

SAPSRI will work to empower women who have been left destitute in tsunami affected areas by helping them achieve sustainable livelihoods. Many of these women had been making a living through sewing, weaving, and related work, but all their materials and equipment were swept away by the waves. Some were employed by small export companies that were also severely damaged. By focusing on income generation and micro-enterprise initiatives, SAPSRI will benefit hundreds of families by reengaging women in familiar income-generation activities more efficiently than before.

SLCDF will also assist families who lost property and resources to reestablish income. Fishing gear, bicycles, tools, carts, boats, sewing machines, work tables, and raw materials will be among the list of provisions purchased on micro-credit loans. Depending on local needs and priorities, some larger loans may be offered to help community groups purchase items such as motorboats or market display rooms.

Save the Children has a long-term strategy for child survivors of the tsunami, focusing on large-scale efforts in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India. Besides providing supplies for immediate needs, Save the Children is at the forefront of protecting affected children from exploitation. The organization is overseeing a major effort to register and reunite separated or orphaned children with families and communities, and get them back in school as quickly as possible.

Final contribution totals and additional distribution of grants will be reported by June.

-Kendra Friend reporting

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