Earthquake Disaster Fund

[Aussie]

We have all been moved by the unbelievable human tragedy that has swept across South East Asia. The numbers are mindboggling and this is such a poverty stricken area that it will be very, very hard for those affected to start over again.

The bulk of the media coverage so far has focused on attempts to get the Swedes who are tourists there back home from those areas. But what about those who live there and must re-build their lives? Many of them have lost everything - home, loved ones, livelihood and in many cases all hope. It's a sobering thought that a generation of children has been lost - at least half the victims are expected to be children.

Please, please think about donating to one of the aid organisations attempting to help out. It is the very least we can do to help alleviate some of the suffering.

In Sweden, you can donate via:

Radiohjälpen. The postgirot number is 90 19 50-6 - mark it Asien katastrof.

Svenska Röda Korset. The postgirot number is 90 08 00-4. Mark it Flodvågornas offer.

Plan has an online donation service. My step-daughter works for them in Sweden and they are highly reputable.

Svekska Krykan also has a relief fund.

There are other international organisations as well, like UNICEF among others.

There is also a great Tsunami Help Blog with a lot of other organisations as well as useful links.

It's so easy to take everything in our life for granted. Something like this makes us stop and really appreciate the very important things in life and how lucky we all are.

[Natooke]

Thank You Aussie, for putting out this information thats much need.

In the last few days, our own two children have been putting their own thoughts & emotions together & trying to come up with a few things they them selfs can do to help. At our local Swedish Chruch, their making a collection of summer clothing to be sent out via Rädda Barn & other established agentcies abroad. Even if you can't donate monetary funds, there are so many other ways one can help.

Our household has been so fortunate in many ways, but can't not help wanting to pitch in for these poor soles who will need basic things such as water, shelter, clothing, food & meds.

[Brandy]

Thanks for the great info. I am still crying daily over all the stories, both with and without happy endings. Looking at the map overview yesterday with all the affected areas, it's just unfathomable.

I find ourselves more than fortunate at this time of the year.

Thanks for the info Aussie.

[Sabeine]

I was in the US over the holidays when this disaster happened. I was amazed at how quickly the US post office, shopping malls, stadiums, organizations, hospitals etc set up to receive donations and money. I saw many, many people leaving blankets, clothes and most of all money. This is not unique to the US but since I was there it was nice to see with my own eyes. It warmed my heart.

The real victims in this disaster are the locals that lived in these regions that are affected. I feel terrible for the countless tourists that have lost their lives but those that live there will be affected so much more. What chance do they have to repair their lives? Who will help them?