Update on the Marist Response to the Asian Tsunami
With the attention of the World?s media returning to Asia, marking six months since the tsunami disaster, it is an appropriate time to provide you with an update.
Due to extraordinary generosity from all parts of the Marist World, and with the support of other donors, money pledged to the Fund is now at US$968,956.87 (as at 13 July). This gives us an excellent financial base with which to respond to the needs of the children and young people affected in India and Sri Lanka. Because of your compassion for those suffering, our response can be substantial and have significant, long-term benefits.
In India, the focus is on the village of Vizhunda Mavadi. The Brothers and their lay partners have developed an extensive and integrated program which is designed to assist the children traumatised by the tsunami.
In Sri Lanka, the focus is on the village of Payagala, and rebuilding the school that was destroyed there. The foundation stone has been laid for this building. This occasion was a tangible sign to the families of the village that their school will be rebuilt. The solidarity of Marists across the world, and their benefactors in other agencies, will see that it happens.
We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to the Tsunami Fund. No matter how small or large your contribution, together with all the other donations, we now are able to help our Brothers and their lay colleagues in Sri Lanka and India to contribute to the recovery efforts now going on in these tsunami- effected areas. Your generosity is a tangible expression of Marist solidarity with young people and their families in India and Sri Lanka.