Some direct financial
relief to survivors. Impossible to help all but some victim's
sotories are so compelling that we wanted to do someting direct
and 'on the spot'. (Re: Andrea TV news interviews 1/11/05)
Establish relationship
with local foundation. This group of former Members of Parliament,
sitting Members, and local business leaders are excited to be
our local committtee. They will also function as consignee for
shipments to Sri Lanka (if you want). This is a group I mentioned
that has the 'muscle' to get our donations past customs and
to remote areas that need much help. One member added $10,000(USD)
personal to the money placed with the committees: We (WER and
RTF) purchased, in market place, two pick-up truck loads of
undergarments, clothes, plastic dinner plates and eating utensils,
and toys as recommended by the P.M.
Orphans:
Prime Minister has foundation for orphans (pre-existing Tsunami).
We placed funds with that foundation to assist with foster care
and eventual internal adoption.
North East Coast
relief:
Due to time constraints and difficulty of travel we were unable
to do site reviews of some Tsunami areas. Local committee is
using their own trucks to deliver locally purchased relief supplies.
We placed funds with the committee specifically for east coast
project - to assist with purchase and delivery cost.
On the way to Phuket
airport in Southern Thailand last night the van overheated and
died. Thai Immigration Police passed by and stopped (nothing
to do with Andrea smiling at them as they drove by...). We had
a local volunteer lady with us. Small pick-up truck so they
put Andrea, Noi (local) and Wendell into the cab and the Chief
of the Division and I san in back. Shared stories - he is very
aware of our Mexican Border illegal immigration situation. His
is Myanmar. Had great talk and made good friends. He escorted
us to the gate at airport as we were running late. Nice, made
the plane.
LONG TERM ASSISTANCE:
Water Project - India (and possibly many other countries). Clinics
(2) Sri Lanka
