Words cannot begin to adequately describe the horror being experienced in Southeast Asia as a result of the devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Jose Cordeiro of CRN's Board of Advisors has been in touch with Arthur C. Clarke, who lives in Sri Lanka, where some of the worst destruction took place.
This, in part, is what Clarke has to say and what he suggests we might do...
This is indeed a disaster of unprecedented magnitude for Sri Lanka, which lacks the resources and capacity to cope with the aftermath. We are encouraging concerned friends to contribute to the relief efforts launched by various national and international organisations. If you wish to join these efforts, I can recommend two options.- Contribute to a Sri Lanka disaster relief fund launched by an internationally operating humanitarian charity, such as Care or Oxfam.
- Alternatively, considering supporting Sarvodaya, the largest development charity in Sri Lanka, which has a 45-year track record in reaching out and helping the poorest of the poor. Sarvodaya has mounted a well organised, countrywide relief effort using their network of offices and volunteers who work in all parts of the country, well above ethnic and other divisions. Their website provides bank account details for financial donations. They also welcome contributions in kind -- a list of urgently needed items is found here.
It should be noted that international aid agencies are recommending direct donations of cash to local relief organizations, as opposed to collections of food or clothing, which would have to be transported.
Our thoughts go out to all those who have been affected by this terible tragedy.
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