Foundation responds to tsunami tragedy

The Kiwanis International Foundation will use its Disaster Relief Fund to assist children affected by the recent tsunami and typhoons that have devastated much of the Asia-Pacific region.

“The Kiwanis International Foundation has received numerous messages of concern for the well-being of those distressed by the recent tsunami and typhoons in the Asia-Pacific region,” says Foundation President Ralph E. Wilson Jr. “Consequently, the Kiwanis International Foundation Disaster Relief Fund will be used to aid children affected by the devastating disasters.

“Our Foundation will be working through the districts and clubs within the affected areas to ensure that the contributions will be directed to children with the most immediate and critical needs.

“Many of those expressing concern also ask if there is anything they can do to help. Contributions are being accepted. Please send your support to the Kiwanis International Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, USA or donate via the secure online form at http://kif.kiwanis.org/kif/grants/disaster.asp.

“Our thoughts are with the countless individuals suffering because of these natural disasters. Please join us in serving the children who are truly the most innocent victims of severe tragedies.”

Several Kiwanis nations have been directly affected by the disasters, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Kenya.

“Almost 30,000 have died, and many more are missing,” reports Daya Ratnayake, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Colombo City, Sri Lanka, which was struck by enormous waves Sunday, December 26. “People are dying of water-borne diseases and lack of sanitation.”

Daya reported an immediate need for IV equipment, diabetic tablets, bandages, water-purification tablets, surgical needles, clothes (summer), and cough medicines.

Teguh Budiono of the Kiwanis Club of Senayan, Indonesia, reports that Kiwanis-family members are safe, because most of the destruction occurred in the northern part of Sumatra. (Kiwanis’s Indonesian clubs are located on the island of Java.) However, the clubs are sending financial assistance, as well as food, clothing, and medicine to Banda Aceh. The Aceh province is located near the epicenter of the undersea earthquake, which sent destructive waves throughout the Indian Ocean.