Tsunami Disaster

I have not spoken out in this forum about the devastation that occurred in south Asia on Dec 26, 2004 largely because I do not think there is much that can be said. However, I think it is great to see stories such as this and this in the media along with the pictures and stories of disaster. Obviously, our sympathies are with all those who lost family and friends in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, and we hope that all who read this commentary are able and willing to give their time, effort, and money as they can to help those on the other side of the globe from us.

In light of that idea, one local group of doctors has travelled to India to offer their assistance and are accepting donations of money to help purchase medical supplies for their efforts. This local delegation will be working with Sri Ramachandra Medical College in Porur, Chennai, India. Since these doctors are local folks, I know that they will be involved in worthwhile and successful endeavors to aid the victims of the tsunami in southern India. Please feel free to make contributions to their relief efforts by sending a cashier's check to the SRMC-Tsunami Relief Fund, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, 1 Ramach Nagar, Porur, Chennai 600116, INDIA. (This would probably take ten to fifteen days by mail.)

There are many other worthwhile causes to which one may contribute in an effort to help victims of the tsunami. Please research the organizations before contributing money. Some excellent and trustworthy faith-based charities and relief organizations are the following:

+ Catholic Relief Service
+ Christian Aid
+ Church World Service
+ Episcopal Relief and Development
+ International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
+ Lutheran World Relief
+ Mennonite Central Committee
+ Mercy Corps
+ World Relief
+ World Vision