|
Jack Slattery, President
|
|
On December 26, 2004 one of the world's greatest natural disasters occurred. The earthquake and
the tsunami it generated in the Indian Ocean killed more than 150,000 people. Our hearts and
prayers go out to the families of these victims. We also want to help. India 33 RPCVs Bryan
McFadden and Don Clement have organized an appeal through the Friends of India (FOI) to help
families in coastal Tamil Nadu. Their
appeal letter is on
this website along with background information and a plan of assistance.
|
|
Much immediate relief is already underway to alleviate starvation, disease and further death.
Also the PC Crisis Corps has asked for India RPCVs to help in India for 2 to 6 month periods
in various technical areas as noted in the newsletter. Please
click here for more
details.
For months to come there will be a need for rehabilitation such as the FOI-India 33 effort, to
help families, market venders, farmers and others get back on their feet to support themselves
and their families. Please look over the different ways to help and do what you can. Also note
that Congress approved legislation that allows you, if you itemize, to take a tax deduction for
2004 for contributions made in January 2005 to qualified charities for tsunami disaster relief.
Friends of India, a 501{C}(3) non-profit organization, is qualified.
FOI has decided to assist the Father Fleming Foundation (FFF) created by two Orissa RPCVs, Tom
Brayak and Gerry Nelson. The FFF aids Vikas Deepti ("Ray of Hope"), a charity in Bargarh, Orissa
that manages schools and leper colonies. Click here for more details.
We recently updated and expanded this website. If we have your email address, you have probably
already received an email advising you that you have been registered in the secure and
private "Member's Center" of
the website. If you have not received an email please be sure to register. The Member's Center
is a means for staying in touch with others, if you so wish, and for receiving email updates about
the website or urgent FOI matters. If you like what you see please tell others.
With all best wishes for the New Year!
Namaste,
Jack Slattery
|
