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Its been almost
a month since the Tsunami wave hit. Day after day we
have been watching the increasing death count of the
victims of the Tsunami disaster. The wave which has
now exceeded a deathcount of over 200 000 - with countless
unknowns has taken its toll with one of the worst natural
disaster for decades.
We have seen many
innovative fundraising activities being done by the
Asian community around the world, and donations that
exceeds what most governments have offered. Waiting
in a bank queue an elderly Asian lady asks the bank
clerk how she can donate to the DEC charity, and gives
half her pension saying "...its to help that need
it most..." I asked her why she had done that,
and how she would manage that week on half her pension....
"What will it matter if I eat a little less this
week, all those poor people suffering there have lost
everything, if by me eating less a child can eat there,
I have done my duty as a human being."
Its unfortunate
not everyone thinks like this as one of the main issues
being faced now is for the victims of the disaster to
receive the aid that is being raised and increased daily.
Issues being faced in India & Sri Lanka include
the hierchy of caste systems subject to receiving aid
and various other political issues. Makes one think
how that even after such a catastrophe people can still
be so heartless.
All said I think
we should continue to do what we can to raise money
to help re-build the lives of the victims in any which
way we can. If you would like to add your fund raising
activity, contact us or email us with details.
Editor - Asian
Community Network
Aid Asia
BRITISH ASIANS
COLLABORATE FOR TSUNAMI RELIEF
Friday 21st January
2005 sees the launch of 'AIDASIA' @ Club Wild, London.
As the Tsunami
death toll continues to rise and more and more aid is
required to help the Tsunami survivors re-build their
lives 'AIDASIA' has been established to channel the
younger British Asian's contribution, by delivering
a night of the very best in hip-hop, bhangra and Asian
underground.
The venue, renowned
for its 'Mumbai Rouge' nights will play host to a great
line up of dedicated and high calibre artists all offering
their services free of charge. Performances from artists
such as Raghav, DJ Swami, DJ Ritu, BBC DJ Adil Ray,
Radio 1's Nihal, the Dhol Foundation, Soul Glow and
Smooth Kartel is sure to make the night a success.
Nitin Sawhney,
who will be showing his support on the night commented
"A disaster like this is not simply about money
- It is a tragedy of epic proportions and the lives
lost are irreplaceable and beyond valuation.... There
is no sense of charity in giving our support and financial
contributions to this cause. We are merely recognising
our obligation as fellow human beings."
The event will
be hosted by Desi DNA Presenter Anita Rani and Ameet
Chana of Eastenders fame and broadcast live on the BBC's
Asian Network.
AIDASIA is a charity
event and will donate a 100% of takings on the night
to two high profile charities working at the grass roots
of the relief and reconstruction programme. The Disasters
Emergency Committee, and Sarvodaya who have both accredited
'AIDASIA' will ensure that all funds raised on the night
will go directly to the heart of the Tsunami Relief
effort.
Sonali Morjaria,
one of the event organisers at 'AIDASIA' commented,
"The devastation in South East Asia has touched
us all and support for the night has been heart warming.
While much is being done to raise money, we all need
to play our part to ensure the aid effort is as swift
and painless as possible".
Corporate support
has also been key to this event and RAC Motoring Services
has kindly agreed to match whatever funds are raised
on the night. A number of other corporations such as
Shyamtronics have also donated prizes for a raffle to
be held on the night.
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