Monday, January 31, 2005

Tsunami aid boom raises questions

Archives: Story: "Tsunami aid boom raises questions

Israeli aid workers load supplies for victims of the tsunamis.
Groups mull how to spend more than $13 million in relief funds

By: ADAM DICHTER New York Jewish Week
As contributions for Asian tsunami relief through Jewish organizations soared to $13 million and counting last week, a newly formed alliance with a unified bank account began mulling over who will get the money - and not everyone appears to be on the same page."

L.A. Daily News - News Charity bids for 'Tonight' bike revving up on eBay

L.A. Daily News - News

Charity bids for 'Tonight' bike revving up on eBay

By Dana Bartholomew, Staff Writer

BURBANK -- Late-night television comedian Jay Leno has gone whole hog for tsunami disaster relief -- and fellow bikers are cheek to jowl in bidding for a chance to own a celebrity-inscribed Harley-Davidson.
Bidding for a 2005 Road King autographed by nearly 50 guests of NBC's "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" has gone hog wild on eBay, with proceeds to go to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

The $22,000 motorcycle went out for auction on Monday and by Friday bidding had hit $150,000 -- a $90,000 jump from midweek.

News - canada.com network Tsunami relief effort sells out in Vancouver, raises $3 million

News - canada.com network: "Tsunami relief effort sells out in Vancouver, raises $3 million

Jeremy Hainsworth
Canadian Press
Monday, January 31, 2005

VANCOUVER (CP) - Concert-goers and performers alike sang and danced as Canadian artists took the stage at Vancouver's GM Place on Saturday night for a tsunami relief fundraiser. "

Herald.com | 01/31/2005 | Creating waves of relief

Herald.com | 01/31/2005 | Creating waves of relief: "Creating waves of relief

Look beyond tsunami relief for socially responsible investing
Knight Ridder News Service
BY TODD MASON
U.S. corporations have generously aided Asian nations affected by last month's earthquake and tidal wave.
But there's more to good corporate citizenship than writing checks and donating equipment for disaster relief, advocates of socially responsible investing say.
Daniel Rosan, a program director at the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, a New York group that advises pension funds, called the corporate response ``welcome and appreciated.''"

Lexington Herald-Leader | 01/31/2005 | Messenger for aid

Lexington Herald-Leader | 01/31/2005 | Messenger for aid: "Messenger for aid

Charity brings Indonesia's story to Kentucky
By Beth Musgrave
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Nothing could prepare Ben Homan for the level of destruction he witnessed.
Or the smell of death. Or the silence in once thriving, bustling neighborhoods.
The president of Phoenix-based Food for the Hungry had seen human and natural destruction before, but Homan told those attending church services at Southland Christian Church yesterday that after the tsunami, South Asia is in a league of devastation all its own.
'In Banda Aceh, mile after mile is completely leveled,' Homan said after his speech. 'It looks like the town was thrown into a shredder.'"

CharityVillage� NewsWeek: Spotlight 'Overwhelming sadness' but still getting the message out

CharityVillage� NewsWeek: Spotlight: "Spotlight
Celebrating the rich and diverse contributions made by Canadian individuals and organizations to the enrichment of life, and the building of a better society.
This week, the Spotlight is on . . ..
'Overwhelming sadness' but still getting the message out
By Cam Tait
TORONTO, ON // There was a time when exhaustion zoomed through Nicole Ireland. The telephone was constantly ringing. People wanted information. Others were looking for a way to contribute.

Then Ireland somehow found a burst of energy and put everything into perspective. 'What we were going through at the office was a fraction of what people - including our colleagues - were going through on the ground where the tsunami hit,' she says in a telephone interview. 'It reminded me that our job was to get the money in so our colleagues could get the work done.'"

Friday, January 28, 2005

Palos Verdes Peninsula News "Local Students Shine in Tsunami Relief Effort

Palos Verdes Peninsula News: "Local Students Shine in Tsunami Relief Effort
Lunada Bay Elementary School raises more than $1,100 in three days; 10 Peninsula Schools will hold clothing, stuffed animal drive for victims in Sri Lanka.
By Josh Cohen Peninsula News
Scenes from the Dec. 26 tsunami that struck Asian nations and left more than 150,000 dead reverberated in the minds of students at Lunada Bay Elementary School."

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Sudan next as tsunami appeal ends

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Sudan next as tsunami appeal ends: "Sudan next as tsunami appeal ends

Sam Jones
Friday January 28, 2005
The Guardian

Oxfam will end its Asian tsunami appeal today because the public has already helped the charity raise the �70m it needs to help the victims of last month's disaster.
Oxfam thanked people for their unprecedented generosity, which made the appeal the most successful in the charity's "

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Cat Stevens hosts Indonesia gig

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Cat Stevens hosts Indonesia gig: "Cat Stevens hosts Indonesia gig

Islam changed his named from Cat Stevens on becoming a Muslim
Singer Yusef Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, is to host a concert in Indonesia for victims of the tsunami.
The concert in Jakarta on 31 January will feature a host of local artists coming together to raise money for the devastated province of Aceh.
The star has also written a charity single called Indian Ocean, with a number of other recording artists.
While in Indonesia, folk singer Islam, 56, will open a regional office of his Small Kindness charity. "

Cleveland Jewish News.com -- News Tsunami aid boom raises questions

Cleveland Jewish News.com -- News: "Tsunami aid boom raises questions

Israeli aid workers load supplies for victims of the tsunamis.
Groups mull how to spend more than $13 million in relief funds

By: ADAM DICHTER New York Jewish Week
As contributions for Asian tsunami relief through Jewish organizations soared to $13 million and counting last week, a newly formed alliance with a unified bank account began mulling over who will get the money - and not everyone appears to be on the same page."

Bangkok Post Friday 28 January 2005 - Cash pledge flood in Phuket

Bangkok Post Friday 28 January 2005 - Cash pledge flood in Phuket
Cash pledge flood in Phuket
Ministers crow about payout achievements
KULTIDA SAMABUDDHI & ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT

People made jobless by the Dec 26 tsunami disaster gather in front of notice boards showing job vacancies put up by the Labour Department in a public park at Saphan Hin, Phuket province. More on tsunami on Pages 6-7. — SAROT MEKSOPHAWANNAKUL
Phuket _ Money talk dominated a government workshop yesterday held to map out plans to rehabilitate the six tsunami-ravaged southern provinces.

At times the workshop looked more like an election campaign meeting, with the 10 ministers there queuing to boast of their achievements in dispersing aid money and compensation to villagers.

Xinhua - English monitoring system to safeguard Guangdong's charity causes

Xinhua - English: " BEIJING, Jan. 28 -- Deputies attending the Third Session of the 10th Guangdong Provincial People's Congress proposed setting up a monitoring system to safeguard Guangdong's charity causes, a Guangzhou Chinese language newspaper reported Thursday. "

Oxfam: Press Releases - Learning the lessons of the Tsunami: One month on

Oxfam: Press Releases - Learning the lessons of the Tsunami: One month on: "Learning the lessons of the Tsunami: One month on

The response of the world to the tsunami has been impressive but important lessons need to be learnt according to a new report issued today by international agency Oxfam, one month after the tsunami struck.

The report, which summarises Oxfam's response to the tsunami, 'Learning the lessons of the Tsunami: one month on', shows how immense the response has been from governments, international aid agencies, the United Nations, local charities and the world's public. The aid effort has helped save countless lives and, one month after the tsunami, many communities are already well on the way to physical recovery. The outbreak of water-borne diseases remains a very real threat, and the aid effort is still racing against time"

Thursday, January 27, 2005

ABC News: Red Cross Raises Enough in Tsunami Relief

ABC News: Red Cross Raises Enough in Tsunami Relief

GENEVA Jan 26, 2005 — The International Red Cross said Wednesday it was winding down its tsunami appeal after raising nearly $1.2 billion in just 30 days, enough to fund the recovery effort for 10 years.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said the general public contributed 85 percent of the $1.17 billion donated for tsunami relief.

N-TEN Forecast: Tsunami Relief Efforts Show Trends in Online Giving

N-TEN Forecast: Tsunami Relief Efforts Show Trends in Online Giving: "Tsunami Relief Efforts Show Trends in Online Giving
By Sheeraz Haji, GetActive Software
With over $350 million donated over the Internet to tsunami disaster relief efforts to date, nonprofit fundraisers are observing several trends in online giving:
a large percentage of relief agency financial support is coming via the Internet;
a vast majority of gifts to relief agencies are from new donors;
more than half of new online donors are asking to not be contacted again by relief agencies;
the number of major gifts made online has increased significantly;"

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Charity Gives Back 'Too Much' Tsunami Cash

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Charity Gives Back 'Too Much' Tsunami Cash
An international charity has started giving back money donated to help victims of the Asian tsunami because it has received more cash than it needs, it emerged today.

CBC News: Red Cross says it has raised $1.2 billion for tsunami relief

CBC News: Red Cross says it has raised $1.2 billion for tsunami relief: "Red Cross says it has raised $1.2 billion for tsunami relief
Last Updated Wed, 26 Jan 2005 22:02:51 EST
CBC News
JAKARTA, INDONESIA - The Red Cross says it is assisting more than half a million tsunami survivors in Asia and will play a part in the region's recovery efforts over the next decade due to record donations collected worldwide.
INDEPTH: Disaster in Asia

Acehnese people look at victims' bodies in Banda Aceh, western Indonesia. (AP file Photo)
About $1.2 billion US, has been raised by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies since the Indian Ocean tsunami struck exactly one month ago"

CBC Manitoba Companies donate labour to Red Cross

CBC Manitoba: "Companies donate labour to Red Cross

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg office of the Red Cross is getting some help from three companies � but it's not in the form of money.
Canadian National Railway, Investors Group, and Credit Union Central are each lending two staff members to the charity for two weeks. The employees will spend their work hours counting donations, writing receipts and entering data.
Red Cross officials say this is exactly the type of help they need to process the hundreds of thousands of donations received for relief efforts in south Asia."

CBC Ottawa - Internet brings major change in charity work

CBC Ottawa - Internet brings major change in charity work: "Internet brings major change in charity work
Last Updated Jan 25 2005 08:43 AM EST
CBC News
OTTAWA � New communications technologies have produced what one aid worker calls a revolution in the way charities collect money.
Following the earthquake and tsunami in South Asia, cellphones and video cameras alerted the world to the scope of the crisis at a speed never seen before. Then, the internet and e-mail gave charities such as the Canadian Red Cross and CARE Canada the means to move quickly.
The Red Cross says a third of donations to tsunami relief were paid for on the internet."

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Interactive Narratives: More Tsunami Graphics

Interactive Narratives: More Tsunami Graphics: "More Tsunami Graphics

Here's a list of infographics and multimedia specials on the tsunami in Asia: Germanys leading online magazine Spiegel online has two sets of grapics, few of them animated (Spiegel 1, Spiegel 2). The online edition of Spanish El Mundo has a multimedia special including six infographics. The Guardian explains the tsunami and earthquakes. BBC online also offers a special.
More infographics and multimedia specials on the disaster can be found here:
USA today
Washington Post
The Globe and Mail
Sydney Morning Herald

International News Article | Reuters.com Red Cross Raises Record $1.2 Billion in Tsunami Aid

International News Article Reuters.com: "Red Cross Raises Record $1.2 Billion in Tsunami Aid
Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:18 AM ET

By Stephanie Nebehay
GENEVA (Reuters) - The Red Cross federation, the world's biggest humanitarian group, said on Wednesday it had raised a record $1.167 billion in just 30 days for victims of the Asian tsunami, enough to fund a 10-year recovery plan.
Some 85 percent came from donations by the general public, a testament to the 'power of humanity,' the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement. The Geneva-based body's 181 national societies will now wind down fundraising. "

U.K. charity seeks tsunami volunteers - (United Press International)

U.K. charity seeks tsunami volunteers - (United Press International): "U.K. charity seeks tsunami volunteers


London, England, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- A British charity says there is a pressing need for volunteers to help communities devastated by the Asian tsunami, the BBC reported Monday. "

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Charity's Concern over 'Inexperienced' Aid Work

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Charity's Concern over 'Inexperienced' Aid Work: "Charity's Concern over 'Inexperienced' Aid Work

By Laura Elston, PA

The mass of money donated to tsunami-hit countries has led to too many organisations working in the disaster zones without adequate skills, Oxfam warned.

The leading aid charity said, one month on from the devastating quake, that in some cases the influx of funds had enabled agencies to work in the areas despite lacking the"

Duluth News Tribune | 01/21/2005 | Legislature OKs tax incentives for tsunami relief contributions

Duluth News Tribune 01/21/2005 Legislature OKs tax incentives for tsunami relief contributions: "Legislature OKs tax incentives for tsunami relief contributions

BY MARTIGA LOHN
ASSOCIATED PRESS

ST. PAUL - Hoping to keep donations to Indian Ocean tsunami victims flowing, lawmakers almost unanimously approved a bill Thursday that speeds up a tax benefit for donors.
Tsunami contributions made by the end of January would be deductible on 2004 state tax returns under the bill, which sailed through the House 132-0 and the Senate 60-1.
The legislation dovetails with the federal Charitable Contribution Act, signed into law earlier this month, and eliminates the need for donors to go through contortions to claim the deductions differently on state and federal tax returns, said Rep. Ron Abrams, R-Minnetonka, the bill's House sponsor. Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, carried the Senate bill."

Students, Citizen Networks, Think Tanks, and Nonprofits Combine for Virtual Dialogues with Tsunami-Affected Region

Students, Citizen Networks, Think Tanks, and Nonprofits Combine for Virtual Dialogues with Tsunami-Affected Region: "Students, Citizen Networks, Think Tanks, and Nonprofits Combine for Virtual Dialogues with Tsunami-Affected Region
January 20, 2005
On January 26, people from around the United States and the United Kingdom will sit down face to face with victims of the South Asian tsunami for an unprecedented live videoconference dialogue. The event is designed to strengthen public awareness of the need for development in South Asia and ensure that the generosity inspired by the disaster continues even after the region leaves the headlines. This first videoconference will feature speakers from Sri Lanka and will occur exactly one month after the tsunami killed upwards of 150,000 people and spawned the largest United Nations relief effort in history. "

Cause and Effect (washingtonpost.com) Tsunami Aid Is Goodwill and Good Business

Cause and Effect (washingtonpost.com): "Cause and Effect
Tsunami Aid Is Goodwill and Good Business
By Alan Cooperman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 26, 2005; Page E01
Put a quarter in a jar marked 'tsunami aid' at 7-Eleven, and the convenience store chain will chip in 25 cents of its own. Buy a pound of Sumatran coffee at Starbucks, and $2 will go to disaster relief in Indonesia. Spend $4 on a Heart of Asia pin from the Avon lady, and Avon will donate $3 to reconstruction efforts.
Some public relations specialists call that 'cause-related marketing' or 'cause branding' -- a tactic companies can use to associate themselves with a noble cause. The Indian Ocean tsunami has unleashed what may be the biggest example of it ever, perhaps exceeding corporate contributions to victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, according to experts on corporate philanthropy and marketing"

Fortune 500 Companies Make Top 10 in Overall Tsunami Giving

Fortune 500 Companies Make Top 10 in Overall Tsunami Giving: "Fortune 500 Companies Make Top 10 in Overall Tsunami Giving
7 Out of 10 Employees Say Using Corporate Resources to Help Crisis Is Appropriate
Distribution Source : PrimeZone Media
Date : Tuesday - January 25, 2005

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Hill & Knowlton, Inc., one of the world's premier communications consultancies, today released the results of independent research on corporate contributions made by the Fortune 500 to the Southern Asia and Eastern Africa tsunami relief efforts. According to Hill & Knowlton's research, contributions from America's biggest companies exceeded $250 million, making the group one of the top 10 donors of the crisis.
'Corporate America is no longer just paying lip service to its Global Citizenship role,' said Michele Quintaglie, senior vice president at Hill & Knowlton, who is leading the research project. 'Together, these companies have pledged more than most individual governments, and that makes them a powerful entity in the area of aid and development.' "

Bloomberg.com: Europe Tsunami Donations From Companies, Public Reach Record, WFP Says

Bloomberg.com: Europe: "Tsunami Donations From Companies, Public Reach Record, WFP Says
Jan. 25 (Bloomberg) -- Companies such as TPG NV, Europe's biggest express-package delivery company, and individual donors contributed a record amount to the United Nations World Food Programme's aid efforts in areas hit by the Dec. 26 tsunami.
Private companies and citizens donated a fifth of the $256 million raised to fund food relief for survivors of the tsunami, which devastated coastal areas from Malaysia to Somalia in the Indian Ocean, the UN food relief agency said in an e-mailed statement. That's a record for the private sector in the four decades of the WFP's existence, the Rome- based agency said. "

Christian Today > British Charities Tsunami Appeal Breaks World Record

Christian Today > British Charities Tsunami Appeal Breaks World Record: "On 20th January, the Guinness World Records announced that the response from the British public to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Tsunami Earthquake Appeal broke a World Record.

The Disasters Emergency Committee is an umbrella organisation of Britain's 12 leading aid agencies which launches and coordinates Britain's national appeal in response to major disasters overseas. Members of the DEC are ActionAid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, Care International UK, Christian Aid, Concern, Help the Aged, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision.

Donations to the tsunami can be made through the DEC website. It was recorded that between 6:16pm on 30th December and 6:16pm on the 31st December 2004, the website received 166,936 donations, raising �10,676,836. With the timely help of BT and their increased capacity, this is the most money ever donated online in 24 hours. "

Thai golf tourney shifted to Phuket to help tourism rebound

Thai golf tourney shifted to Phuket to help tourism rebound: "The Thailand Golf Association is moving the venue of its Thailand Open tournament this March to tsunami-stricken Phuket in an attempt to benefit the area's ailing tourist industry.
'We would like to let foreigners know that now Phuket is safe,' a TGA spokeswoman said Thursday on behalf of the tournament's chairman, Sompong Dowspiset.
The association decided to change the location to Phuket about a week after the Dec. 26 tsunami. The March 3-6 tournament had originally been scheduled for Pattaya, another resort area, on Thailand's eastern seaboard. "

Phishing in tsunami waters

Phishing in tsunami waters: "Phishing in tsunami waters

R RAVICHANDRAN
Posted online: Thursday, January 20, 2005 at 0000 hours IST



HYDERABAD, JAN 19: It is not fishing in troubled waters. It is phishing in on the tsunami tragedy. Taking advantage of the killer tsunami, which swallowed over 150,000 persons in Asia, there are a number of fraudulent e-mails, phishing websites and short messaging services, which are doing the rounds, posing as donation collection sites, waiting to siphon off millions of dollars, which are pouring in from all over the world as aid. "

Zero Sum Charity


Zero-Sum Charity
Does tsunami relief dry up other giving?
By Daniel Gross
Posted Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, at 1:56 PM PT


President Bush in early January proclaimed: "The greatest source of America's generosity is not our government; it's the good heart of the American people." He's right. So far, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, private relief charities have raised more than $480 million for tsunami recovery efforts, far more than the $350 million committed by the government.

These impressive figures have been accompanied by a huge and unseemly amount of self-congratulation. It's especially unseemly in the case of the government contributions because the federal money is most likely coming out of existing aid budgets—any new money for reconstruction in Sri Lanka and Indonesia will likely mean less money for sub-Saharan Africa. Can the same be said about private donations? Will the private tsunami relief dry up other charitable giving?

The Chronicle, 1/21/2005: $521-Million Raised by U.S Charities for Tsunami Relief

The Chronicle, 1/21/2005: $521-Million Raised by U.S Charities for Tsunami Relief: "521-Million Raised by U.S Charities for Tsunami Relief
By Brennen Jensen and Nicole Wallace

American relief charities have raised more than $521-million to aid victims of the deadly earthquake and tsunamis in South Asia, with much of the money coming in online. That amount now far exceeds the $350-million pledged by the United States government.

Some of the money raised by relief groups has been contributed by companies and foundations. The Chronicle has tallied more than $126-million awarded to relief efforts by grant makers.

Among the results from organizations across the United States:


The American Red Cross, in Washington, has raised $222.9-million. The organization's total includes some of the donations made during a two-hour NBC telethon on January 15."

MENAFN - Middle East North Africa . Financial Network

MENAFN - Middle East North Africa . Financial Network: "Analysts: Look beyond tsunami aid for socially responsible investing



Knight Ridder - Monday, January 24, 2005

Knight Ridder Newspapers
By Todd Mason
PHILADELPHIA _ U.S. corporations have generously aided Asian nations affected by last month's earthquake and tidal wave.
But there's more to good corporate citizenship than writing checks and donating equipment for disaster relief, advocates of socially responsible investing say.
Daniel Rosan, a program director at the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, a New York group that advises pension funds, called the corporate response 'welcome and appreciated.'"

An outpouring of tsunami aid from the Northwest

An outpouring of tsunami aid from the Northwest

Channelnewsasia.com SINGAPORE : Guidelines have been issued on how the tsunami relief money raised in Singapore can be spent.

Channelnewsasia.com

Channelnewsasia.com

Channelnewsasia.com: "Singapore NGOs fill up gaps left by SAF, SCDF personnel as reconstruction work continues
By Farah Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : The Singapore military and civil defence forces were the first in Aceh and Meulaboh.

They may have returned home, but non-governmental relief groups are already filling the vacuum, armed with more than US$40 million raised for tsunami victims. "

CBC Ottawa - CARE chief says matching-grants program flawed

CBC Ottawa - CARE chief says matching-grants program flawed: "CARE chief says matching-grants program flawed
Last Updated Jan 20 2005 03:21 PM EST
CBC News


OTTAWA � The head of Care Canada says the federal government was misguided in the way it ran the recent matching-grants program, which persuaded Canadians to donate about $200 million (unaudited) to tsunami relief.

John Watson
During a forum broadcast on CBC-TV in Ottawa Wednesday evening, the relief agency's John Watson said the program was flawed 'because the matching grants indicate which agencies are good at raising funds, not which agencies are actually operating overseas.' "

Center on Philanthropy - Giving and Fundraising Research

Center on Philanthropy - Giving and Fundraising Research: "Tsunami Relief Giving
Beginning in early January 2005, the Center on Philanthropy tracked publicly reported charitable support from the United States directed toward relief efforts in Southeast Asia following the tsunami of December 2004. The file here* presents information about U.S. philanthropic giving to tsunami relief by relief organizations, individuals, corporations and foundations. It does not include the aid delivered or pledged by the U.S. government. It includes information gathered from publicly reported sources, such as news media accounts and Web sites. The listing does not contain every organization raising funds for relief. The list is not an endorsement for any agency or entity listed.*Acrobat format; requires the free Adobe Reader, available here. "

Reuters AlertNet - Give tsunami survivors cash not food, thinktank tells NGOs

Reuters AlertNet - Give tsunami survivors cash not food, thinktank tells NGOs: "Give tsunami survivors cash not food, thinktank tells NGOs
13 Jan 2005

Source: AlertNet

AlertNet (LONDON) - Sometimes disaster survivors might find cash or vouchers more useful than food or shelter, argue researchers for the Humanitarian Policy Group of the Overseas Development Institute, a London-based thinktank.
Click here to read Tsunami relief and reconstruction assistance: in-kind, or in cash? by Paul Harvey
John Twigg and Richard Choularton examine the tsunami's humanitarian implications. Click here to read The Asian tsunami: The implications for preparedness and contingency planning "

Reuters AlertNet - FACTSHEET: How does tsunami relief fit together?

Reuters AlertNet - FACTSHEET: How does tsunami relief fit together?: "FACTSHEET: How does tsunami relief fit together?
17 Jan 2005

Source: AlertNet


Tribal Nicobarese tsunami survivors queue for lunch at a relief camp in Port Blair, India.
Photo by PUNIT PARANJPE
The Indian Ocean tsunami devastated thousands of miles of coastline across an entire continent and triggered one of biggest-ever international aid operations. U.N. agencies, governments, Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, local relief charities, global NGOs � all sprang into action as the donor dollars rolled in.
How does a relief effort of such size and scope fit together? Who coordinates the different actors and channels the different flows of money?
Let�s take a deep breath and start with the United Nations, which is playing a leading role in bringing all the strands together. But which bit of the U.N. does that mean"

Sunday, January 23, 2005

NBC Benefit Raises $18.3 Million for Tsunami Relief

NBC Benefit Raises $18.3 Million for Tsunami Relief: "NBC Benefit Raises $18.3 Million for Tsunami Relief
Written by Lesly C. Hallman , Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Friday, January 21, 2005 � Thousands of generous Americans pledged an estimated $18.3 million in donations during the �Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope,� hosted by NBC-Universal on Saturday, Jan. 15 for the American Red Cross International Response Fund for the tsunami victims. "

Zimbabwe News :: Zim Observer News Network

Zimbabwe News :: Zim Observer News Network ECONET chief executive officer Douglas Mboweni yesterday handed over $250 million to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) raised from contributions by the company’s cellular phone subscribers to help Tsunami disaster survivors.

Mboweni said his company had been touched by the consequences of the

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Posting to the Blog will be Intermittment untill Monday

Just a note to let everyone know that posting to the Blog will be Intermittent untill Monday due to the Holiday and my short Vacation.
Reed

Canada NewsWire

Canada NewsWire: "Attention News Editors:
Alcan, Local Employees Raise Record CAN$640,500 to Aid Greater Montr�al Community
MONTREAL, Jan. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) and its employees today presented a cheque of CAN$640,500 to Centraide of Greater Montreal, an independent organization focused on improving the living conditions of thousands of people in need in the Greater Montreal area.
'Alcan is proud to match the generosity displayed by its employees as we all have a social responsibility "

Local organizations still dealing with financial aftermath of tsunami (HamptonRoads.com/Pilot Online)

Local organizations still dealing with financial aftermath of tsunami (HamptonRoads.com/Pilot Online): "Local organizations still dealing with financial aftermath of tsunami

A relief check arrives at the American Red Cross of Southeastern Virginia. L. TODD SPENCER/VP


By BENITA D. NEWTON , The Virginian-Pilot
� January 19, 2005

The tsunamis that devastated southern Asia on Dec. 26 have long since rolled back out to sea, but Hampton Roads businesses and nonprofits are still feeling and reacting to their effects.
Red Cross employees and volunteers are putting in long hours to handle the additional donations. Locally owned businesses are giving up profits for the cause and creating new avenues for employees to get involved"

Duluth News Tribune | 01/19/2005 | Christian charities quietly help Muslim victims

Duluth News Tribune 01/19/2005 Christian charities quietly help Muslim victims: "Posted on Wed, Jan. 19, 2005
Christian charities quietly help Muslim victims

Commentary by JOSEPH LOCONTE
Despite the media attention to the tsunami in South Asia, it still barely registers with many people that the country hit hardest happens to be the world's most populous Islamic nation. Indonesia has lost more than 105,000 people, most of them Muslims.
That tragic fact shines a light on a bracing yet neglected possibility: that the charitable tradition of the United States, supremely visible in its Christian relief organizations, "

TownOnline.com - Braintree Forum - Opinion & Letters

TownOnline.com - Braintree Forum - Opinion & Letters: "Rotary to aid tsunami disaster relief efforts
By Paul Pecci/ Experiencing Rotary
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
By now, everyone is aware of the horrific events that unfolded on Dec. 26, 2004 in many countries in Southeast Asia. We are daily being bombarded with heart-wrenching images and incredible stories from places most of us have never even heard about. As a Rotarian in Braintree, I cannot begin to imagine the horror that these people are going through so far away, or the degree of destruction that this single incident has inflicted on so many fellow human beings. Like many of us sitting in our comfortable surroundings, I try to convince myself that that could never happen to me, and thank God that it didn't. But the realization is that it could have. It makes me thankful for all the blessings that have been given to me, and put so many things in perspective. It has also made me realize that these unfortunate people need lots of help."

Boston.com / Business / Charities swamped by offers of aid

Boston.com / Business / Charities swamped by offers of aid: "Charities swamped by offers of aid
Some groups overwhelmed by firms that see a chance to do well by doing good
By Kimberly Blanton, Globe Staff | January 19, 2005
PlasmaNet Inc., which operates an online lotto game played by millions worldwide, approached Oxfam America in Boston with a unique concept to assist tsunami victims: Players on its website could volunteer to turn over their winnings to help Oxfam rebuild a village in Sri Lanka, where a plaque would honor them."

Tsunami Plight Brings Record Donations | theledger.com

Tsunami Plight Brings Record Donations | theledger.com: "Tsunami Plight Brings Record Donations

By Gary White
The Ledger

Cathy Robinson Pickett, director of a nonprofit organization devoted to AIDS education, has developed a feel for what makes people open their checkbooks to charities."

CBC - New Brunswick

CBC - New Brunswick: "Tsunami support slows food bank donations
WebPosted Jan 17 2005 10:29 AM AST
CBC News

MONCTON � Some food banks in New Brunswick say the wave of public support for victims of the tsunami may end up hurting their ability to meet the needs of hungry people back home.
Bertha Darling, a spokesperson for Food Bank Moncton Incorporated, said local charities support the drive to raise money for disaster relief in South Asia."

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Another Worm Hits Online Tsunami Relief

Another Worm Hits Online Tsunami Relief: "Another Worm Hits Online Tsunami Relief
January 18, 2005
By Sean Michael Kerner

Another worm has emerged in the wild, preying on the generosity of those trying to donate to the Tsunami relief effort.
Multiple security firms, including McAfee, TrendMicro, Sophos and Symantec, today are reporting the discovery of the worm. McAfee and Symantec call it W32.Zar.A@mm, Trend Micro calls it WORM_ZAR.A and Sophos calls it W32/VBSun-A.
The worm usually has the subject line 'Tsunami Donation! Please help' and includes an attachment named tsunami.exe. When clicked, the attachment delivers its payload, which is a Denial of Service (DoS) attack on the German domain www.hacksector.de. "

Charity laws need overhaul

Charity laws need overhaul: "Charity laws need overhaul
China Daily Updated: 2005-01-15 07:48
The tsunami disaster has made evident the need for a complete set of charity laws, says a commentary in the Legal Daily. An excerpt follows:
The high-calibre of humanitarian aid and generous donations by Chinese people to tsunami-afflicted countries fully exemplifies our traditional virtue of being a helpful neighbour.
Yet, there are still some out-of-tune notes that assault the ears. A bogus China Charity Federation website and hoax short messages were used to defraud public money under the guise of 'tsunami donations.' A backlash against these immoral money-making measures was provoked nationwide, and the call for improvements of laws on charitable donations has rung loud and more urgent. "

Crain's New York Business news, lists, rankings, directory and more

Crain's New York Business news, lists, rankings, directory and more: "NY nonprofits see drought as funds go to Asia

Groups take huge hit as media attention keeps sympathy, money flowing abroad

By Miriam Kreinin Souccar
Published on January 17, 2005

While U.S. organizations working to help the tsunami victims in Asia have raked in close to $340 million in less than a month, local charities are quickly being forgotten.
New York-based nonprofits ranging from organizations that fight hunger to those that combat child abuse report that donations from direct mail have plummeted in the three weeks since the disaster. Some groups, such as Bailey House, which helps homeless people who have AIDS, have even started receiving letters from longtime donors warning that this year's gifts are being redirected to the tsunami relief effort. "

Charity Crunch

Charity Crunch: "EDITORIAL
Charity Crunch

Americans have gotten caught up in the emotional swell of what one charity's director called a 'bidding war' to see who can promise the most aid to tsunami victims. The charity official was talking about governments, but private donations have gone the same way. Doctors Without Borders courageously spoke the truth when it announced two weeks ago that it had all the tsunami-relief money it needed and would accept only unrestricted donations.

President Bush also has expressed concern that giving to tsunami relief might mean less for other charities. He's right. Bush himself hasn't helped matters by extending the 2004 tax deduction for donations to tsunami relief while regular charities go by the usual rules. Nor does encouraging private charity end the president's obligations; the international relief agency Oxfam was concerned enough last week to demand that governments guarantee not to fund tsunami relief by shorting other aid programs."

CBC - Nova Scotia

CBC - Nova Scotia: "Councillor says no to tsunami relief
WebPosted Jan 14 2005 11:00 AM AST
CBC News

YARMOUTH, N.S. � A Yarmouth town councillor wants the municipality to reconsider its plan to donate to the tsunami relief effort in south Asia.
Murray Judge was the lone councillor opposed to donating the town's money. He says he believes in giving to charities but that taxpayers should decide for themselves where to put their cash.
'I've always felt that taxpayers pay us to provide government services, and if they wish to donate to any particular charities that's up to them. I've never been comfortable donating on behalf of the taxpayers.'"

In the tsunami zone, a vacation can amount to disaster aid

In the tsunami zone, a vacation can amount to disaster aid: "In the tsunami zone, a vacation can amount to disaster aid
John Flinn
Sunday, January 16, 2005


A week or so after Sept. 11, when lower Manhattan lay in smoldering ruin, someone asked then-mayor Rudy Giuliani what Americans could do to help get New York back on its feet. 'Come here as a tourist,' he said without hesitation. 'Go out to dinner in one of our fine restaurants. Go see a Broadway show. "

TheStar.com - 91 per cent

TheStar.com - 91 per cent: "91 per cent
That's the percentage of Canadians who give to charity, Ellen Roseman says in the first part of new Money 301 seriesThat's how many Canadians who give to charity, Ellen Roseman says in first part of new series

ELLEN ROSEMAN

Canadians have responded generously to the tsunami disaster in Asia. For some people, it's the first time they've donated to a charity.
Whether you're a first-time donor or an experienced donor, it's important to know who gets your money and how they use it.
Just as you do homework when making other purchases, you should do research on charitable donations. This will ensure you're getting your money's worth."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Nation -- From sellable stocks to smellable gel, tsunami gifts leave beaten path

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Nation -- From sellable stocks to smellable gel, tsunami gifts leave beaten path: "Tsunami charity isn't just pouring in as cash, food, and medicine. Creative donors have ponied up everything from stock certificates to gel that tamps the reek of decomposing corpses.
Many corporate and private donors, assessing how they can help advance the relief efforts, are asking themselves: What do we know how to do? What do we have tucked away on a shelf? "

major tsunami cash scandal feared - news from ekklesia

major tsunami cash scandal feared - news from ekklesia: "Major tsunami cash scandal feared -16/01/05

Fears that western nations will fail to honour large financial pledges towards relief and development for victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami in Asia and Africa are now growing, a Christian development agency analyst told Ekklesia today.

Aid organisations and NGOs like Christian Aid also face a challenge to maintain existing priorities as private donations earmarked exclusively for the tsunami disaster dominate patterns of giving.

According to a new Oxfam report due to be published this week, the United Nations humanitarian appeal for those areas hit by the Boxing Day tidal wave are still under-funded by 277 million US dollars, with only 723 million US dollars received out of a total pledged of one billion US dollars. "

BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific | Oxfam warns of tsunami cash delay

BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific | Oxfam warns of tsunami cash delay: "Oxfam warns of tsunami cash delay

Some western government have only rescheduled debt repayment
Western nations need to deliver the money pledged in the aftermath of the tsunami and stop 'dragging their feet', Oxfam has warned in a report.
The UN humanitarian appeal funded by governments is still underfunded by 26%, and there are fears that initial promises might not be kept.
The charity is urging governments to deliver money quickly.
In past emergencies, such as the quake that destroyed the city of Bam in Iran, money was promised but not delivered.
'Dragging feet'
Oxfam praised the response of governments in the aftermath of the tsunami as 'admirable'. "

The Chronicle, 1/20/2005: Learning the Lessons of a Disaster

The Chronicle, 1/20/2005: Learning the Lessons of a Disaster: "Learning the Lessons of a Disaster
After the emergency phase, charities focus on rebuilding

By Nicole Wallace

Relief charities from around the world have undertaken an enormous task in South Asia: helping millions of people who

have survived the deadly earthquake and tsunamis rebuild their lives and their communities"

Reuters AlertNet - FACTSHEET: How does tsunami relief fit together?

Reuters AlertNet - FACTSHEET: How does tsunami relief fit together?: "FACTSHEET: How does tsunami relief fit together?
17 Jan 2005

Source: AlertNet


Tribal Nicobarese tsunami survivors queue for lunch at a relief camp in Port Blair, India.
Photo by PUNIT PARANJPE
The Indian Ocean tsunami devastated thousands of miles of coastline across an entire continent and triggered one of biggest-ever international aid operations. U.N. agencies, governments, Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, local relief charities, global NGOs � all sprang into action as the donor dollars rolled in.
How does a relief effort of such size and scope fit together? Who coordinates the different actors and channels the different flows of money?
Let�s take a deep breath and start with the United Nations, which is playing a leading role in bringing all the strands together. But which bit of the U.N. does that mean"

The Chronicle, 1/20/2005: An Unprecedented Show of Support

The Chronicle, 1/20/2005: An Unprecedented Show of Support: "An Unprecedented Show of Support
Driven by Internet donations, charities large and small raise record amounts for tsunami victims

By Nicole Wallace

The $406-million that has been donated to charities helping the tsunami victims has shattered fund-raising records for international disasters. While the money is making it easier to run the early stages of the recovery effort, charity officials say the real challenge is just ahead, as news of the tsunamis and relief efforts moves off the front page."

Internet a boon to smaller nonprofits providing tsunami relief - 2005-01-17 - Austin Business Journal

Internet a boon to smaller nonprofits providing tsunami relief - 2005-01-17 - Austin Business Journal: "Internet a boon to smaller nonprofits providing tsunami relief
Small to midsize disaster-relief nonprofits that are using the Internet to aid victims of the recent Asian tsunami now are raising record levels of funding -- in many cases expanding their online constituent bases by more than 50 percent, according to Convio Inc. "

Bush Rewarded by Black Pastors' Faith

Bush Rewarded by Black Pastors' Faith: "Bush Rewarded by Black Pastors' Faith
His stands, backed by funding of ministries, redefined the GOP's image with some clergy.


By Peter Wallsten, Tom Hamburger and Nicholas Riccardi, Times Staff Writers


MILWAUKEE � Bishop Sedgwick Daniels, one of this city's most prominent black pastors, supported Democrats in past presidential elections, backing Bill Clinton and Al Gore.

This fall, however, the bishop's broad face appeared on Republican Party fliers in the battleground state of Wisconsin, endorsing President Bush as the candidate who 'shares our views.'"

Channelnewsasia.com

Channelnewsasia.com: "KOBE, Japan : Jan Egeland, the outspoken UN relief chief, has accused 'newly rich countries' of not showing enough generosity when giving foreign aid.
'I find it strange that there are the same 10 to 15 major donors today as 10 years ago,' Egeland, the undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs, told reporters at a UN conference on disaster reduction in Kobe, Japan. "

Local News - Baxter Bulletin - www.baxterbulletin.com

Local News - Baxter Bulletin - www.baxterbulletin.com
Governor announces ATTIC


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Mike Huckabee announced that any contributions made this month for tsunami relief efforts may be claimed on state tax returns filed this year for tax year 2004. Huckabee held a news conference at the state Capitol to announce a program known as ATTIC — Arkansas Tsunami Tax Incentive Credit.

The Indian Ocean tsunami in December killed more than 150,000 people. Congress recently approved legislation permitting taxpayers to claim January contributions on their federal tax returns. The governor's administrative action is being taken to meet the filing schedule for 2004 returns

USAID: Earthquake and Tsunami Relief - Organizations Working in the Disaster Area

USAID: Earthquake and Tsunami Relief - Organizations Working in the Disaster Area: "Relief Organizations Working in the Disaster Area
HOW TO DONATE: Below is a list of charities providing assistance to people affected by the earthquake and tsunamis. You can donate money to them by mail, phone, or through their web sites, which are listed below.
WHO WE ARE: USAID is the U.S. government agency responsible for economic and humanitarian assistance around the world. We work together with many of the organizations below to provide assistance to the victims of the earthquake/tsunami. You may choose contribute to any of the relief agencies below, all of whom are also working with contributions from the general public."

Friday, January 14, 2005

NHL.com News

NHL.com News: "NHL chipping in for tsunami charity game

BANGKOK, Thailand -- Thailand's hockey players received a shot in the arm Tuesday after the National Hockey League offered to support their charity drive for Thai survivors of the Asian tsunami.
The National Hockey League has also pledged to donate money for goals scored as well as establishing plans for a larger charity effort that will be announced in the near future."

Canada NewsWire

Canada NewsWire: "Tsunami relief: Catholic parishes raise at least $7 million in special national collection
TORONTO, Jan. 13 /CNW/ - A nation-wide collection organized by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has raised at least $7 million to aid victims of the recent earthquake and tidal waves in Southeast Asia.
The total amount donated in Catholic parishes on Saturday and Sunday, January 8-9, 2005 will not be tabulated for several days. All funds collected will be added to the $2.5 million already raised by DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE, the Canadian Catholic Church's official agency for international development"

London Free Press: News Section - Coin drives keep donations rolling

London Free Press: News Section - Coin drives keep donations rolling: "Coin drives keep donations rolling


MELINDA DALTON, Special to The Free Press 2005-01-14 03:23:56
The money's in and it's time for change -- rolling, that is. Coin drives for tsunami relief brought in big bucks for charity and along with it the daunting task of counting thousands of dollars of coin donations.
The Canadian Red Cross requested all groups collecting funds bring in rolled coins or a cheque for the total amount.
Despite the request, Canada Coin, the only coin rolling business in town, hasn't seen any coins rolling in from tsunami fundraising. "

NPR : Brothel Joins Tsunami Relief Effort

NPR : Brothel Joins Tsunami Relief Effort: "Brothel Joins Tsunami Relief Effort

Morning Edition, January 13, 2005 � Donors to the Tsunami relief and recovery effort now include the owner of a brothel in Germany. There's an entry fee to get into the brothel, and five euros from that fee are now being donated to tsunami relief. The owner says she's raised the equivalent of about $1,700, and adds, 'We have a heart, too.' "

Brand Republic

Brand Republic: "News Analysis: NGOs rethink PR in wake of tsunami


PR Week UK 00:00 14-01-2005
When a disaster such as the Asian tsunami receives blanket coverage, how do charities not directly involved maintain their media profile? Ian Hall investigates. The devastation caused by the South-East Asia tsunami disaster has - quite understandably - dominated the news agenda for the past three weeks.

With the relief effort now well under way, the work of the Disasters Emergency Committee - an umbrella body for UK charities such as ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Oxfam and Save the Children that is on the front line - continues to generate heavy coverage."

CNEWS - World: NFL raises $4 million

CNEWS - World: NFL raises $4 million: "NEW YORK (AP) - The NFL and its teams, players and fans have raised and committed more than $4 million US for tsunami relief efforts, the league said Thursday.
That amount includes $1 million coming directly from the NFL and $1.5 million from Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen's charitable foundation, the league said in a news release. New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft and the team's charitable foundation have raised $500,000 for the disaster relief. The Atlanta Falcons and owner Arthur Blank have raised $370,000. "

News - canada.com network

Thanks again to Tami for her assistance on the Canadian Stories

News - canada.com network: "Stars chit-chat backstage at Asia benefit show

Angela Pacienza
Canadian Press

Thursday, January 13, 2005

1 2 NEXT >>

TORONTO (CP) - Backstage at the Canada for Asia benefit Thursday night, there were lots of hard-at-work volunteers, kids seeking autographs and stars "

U.S. Private-Sector Donations for Tsunami Relief Top $360 Million - US Department of State

U.S. Private-Sector Donations for Tsunami Relief Top $360 Million - US Department of State

Wausau - Local needs, tsunami relief strain charities

Wausau - Local needs, tsunami relief strain charities: "Local needs, tsunami relief strain charities
By Elizabeth Putnam
Wausau Daily Herald
eputnam@wdhprint.com

As north central Wisconsin residents continue to open their hearts and wallets for tsunami relief efforts, some charities want to remind donors of local needs while acknowledging the plight of tsunami victims.

Tsunami Aftermath: Recovery efforts

Tsunami Aftermath: Recovery efforts: "406 million donated
American charities have raised more than $406 million since the tsunami struck, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The American Red Cross leads all groups with nearly $173 million raised for tsunami relief."

MSNBC - FBI busts man in tsunami aid scam

MSNBC - FBI busts man in tsunami aid scam

Even Without Disaster Relief, American Mega-Generosity Far Exceeds That of Other Nations

Even Without Disaster Relief, American Mega-Generosity Far Exceeds That of Other Nations: "Press ReleaseSource: Institute for Jewish & Community Research

Even Without Disaster Relief, American Mega-Generosity Far Exceeds That of Other Nations
Thursday January 13, 7:04 pm ET
Upcoming Study Shows That American Private Giving Sets Trends for Government Spending
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- An upcoming study, to be published in full in spring 2005 by the San Francisco-based Institute for Jewish & Community Research, finds that the top 6% of annual American charitable contributions exceeds the combined efforts of all other nations to aid victims of the recent Indian Ocean tsunami."

Why we give...

Why we give...: "Why we give...
...Sometimes
Friday, January 14, 2005
Karen R. Long and Susan Ruiz Patton
Plain Dealer Reporters
The milk of human kindness flows unevenly across the land.
Helicopters, Navy ships and three American presidents mobilize to help the victims of the December tsunami. More than 120,000 volunteers hit the streets of Warsaw, Poland, to buttonhole passers-by for money to rebuild a hospital in Sri Lanka. The children of Agnon school in Beachwood organize an impromptu swimathon to raise tsunami aid. "

NBC-Universal and American Red Cross Join Forces for Tsunami Relief

NBC-Universal and American Red Cross Join Forces for Tsunami Relief

Payroll giving sought for tsunami relief

Payroll giving sought for tsunami relief: "Payroll giving sought for tsunami relief
By Matt Kempner
Palm Beach Post-Cox News Service
Friday, January 14, 2005
ATLANTA � Americans pumping money into tsunami relief efforts will have fewer chances to give to international aid agencies through one big charitable avenue: payroll deductions at work.
Payroll giving � that bit employees agree to have pulled out of paychecks � raised more than $2 billion last year for United Way and the 45,000 local nonprofits affiliated with it nationwide. By donating in little chunks, employees find it easier to give more overall and on an ongoing basis."

Worldandnation: Tsunami pledges may not be as generous as they seem

Worldandnation: Tsunami pledges may not be as generous as they seem: "Tsunami pledges may not be as generous as they seem
By wire services
Published January 14, 2005

UNITED NATIONS - In the three weeks since the Indian Ocean tsunami, the United Nations has credited more than 40 governments, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank with pledges of assistance valued at nearly $4-billion.
But hundreds of millions of dollars in those pledges had already been committed to development projects in the region. And as much as half of the total is for interest-free loans, which the United Nations traditionally does not count as humanitarian aid."

The Seattle Times: Opinion: Improving humanitarian relief for the next big disaster

The Seattle Times: Opinion: Improving humanitarian relief for the next big disaster: "Improving humanitarian relief for the next big disaster
By Mark Haselkorn
Special to The Times
Guest columnist


The enormous needs of South Asia disaster victims are clear and compelling. The best way to meet those needs is far less obvious. The present approach is to gather as much money as possible and spend it on immediate relief. This approach needs to be changed. "

CBC - New Brunswick

CBC - New Brunswick: "Prison inmates fundraise for Asian disaster
WebPosted Jan 13 2005 05:20 PM AST
CBC News

DORCHESTER � Staff and inmates of the Westmorland Institute have raised $4,000 for tsunami relief.
The minimum-security prison raised the money by serving a hot lunch to the public on Thursday. For $11, visitors got a t-shirt and a plate of rice, bread and water. The meal was meant to represent what victims of the tsunamis would be eating.
At least 65 of the prison's 210 inmates, some who've been convicted for crimes like robbery or assault, pitched in to make the fundraiser happen. Clinton Hollet is one of the inmates who volunteered."

CBC - New Brunswick

CBC - New Brunswick: "NB town to adopt tsunami-stricken community
WebPosted Jan 13 2005 01:16 PM AST
CBC News

SACKVILLE � The town of Sackville, New Brunswick wants to adopt a town in India that's been affected by the tsunami disaster.
Sackville town counsellor Virgil Hammock suggested the idea of partnering up with an Asian community. He says other aid efforts are helpful, but he's worried that the campaigns "

: "THIS SITE IS IN CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT IN PREPARATION FOR MONDAY.
KEEP CHECKING THROUGHOUT FRIDAY.

Monday 17th January sees the most extraordinary day ever in radio. Every commercial station in the UK will broadcast UK Radio Aid - a day of very special guests, presenters and activity to raise money for the Tsunami appeal. You'll never "

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Analysis: tsunami appeals hightlight charities' Gift Aid losses

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Analysis: tsunami appeals hightlight charities' Gift Aid losses: "The missing �5m

Charity donors are failing to make the most of extra cash available from the taxman - a fact hightlighted by the current tsunami disaster relief appeals. Liza Ramrayka explains "

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Charity helps 6,000 British tsunami survivors

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Charity helps 6,000 British tsunami survivors: "Charity helps 6,000 British tsunami survivors

David Batty
Wednesday January 12, 2005

British Red Cross volunteers have helped nearly 6,000 Britons returning from the Indian Ocean earthquake disaster zone, it emerged today."

HandsNet: Survey to Examine Impact of Tsunami Disaster on Nonprofit Organization Funding

HandsNet: Survey to Examine Impact of Tsunami Disaster on Nonprofit Organization Funding: "January 07, 2005
Survey to Examine Impact of Tsunami Disaster on Nonprofit Organization Funding
Commulinks of Colorado is conducting a nationwide survey to determine the projected impact of tsunami disaster relief efforts on the nation's nonprofit community.
Jim Moore, general partner in Commulinks of Colorado, said, 'The tsunami disaster is perhaps the largest, most widespread natural disaster in recorded history. Our hearts go out to the victims
and the survivors who must live with grief and loss and yet rebuild their lives in "

Thursday, January 13, 2005

The Council on Foundations - Disaster Grantmaking, A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations

The Council on Foundations - Disaster Grantmaking, A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations: "Grantmaking, A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations
Download now
Moved by widely publicized human suffering and increased disaster aid requests, foundations and corporations are becoming more active in the disaster field. Grantmakers have a distinct role to play in disasters because of their ongoing relations with grantees, long-term perspective, flexibility and convening capacity. Lacking the sizable emergency relief resources of governments and some well-known nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), foundations and corporate grantmakers nevertheless can make a significant contribution, for instance, by filling critical gaps in underfunded areas like disaster rehabilitation, prevention, research "

Giving Tops $5 Million to A-Plus Rated Lutheran World Relief

Giving Tops $5 Million to A-Plus Rated Lutheran World Relief: "Giving Tops $5 Million to A-Plus Rated Lutheran World Relief
To: National & International Desks
Contact: Lisa Bonds of Lutheran World Relief, 410-230-2814, lbonds@lwr.org
BALTIMORE, Jan. 13 /Christian Wire Service/ -- For sixty years, Lutheran World Relief (LWR) has quietly and diligently gone about its business. As the relief and development arm of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and a strong partner with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, LWR has diligently worked to attack poverty at its root causes and respond to disasters while epitomizing good stewardship of the money entrusted to it by national Lutheran church bodies, individuals and groups.
That focus on being good stewards has attracted a new following in the wake of December's earthquake and tsunami. Because rating agencies such as the American Institute of Philanthropy rank LWR as one of only two international humanitarian organizations to earn its highest grade, (A-Plus), and"

The Chronicle, 1/13/2005: $406-Million Has Been Donated to American Charities Helping the Tsunami Victims

The Chronicle, 1/13/2005: $406-Million Has Been Donated to American Charities Helping the Tsunami Victims: "406-Million Has Been Donated to American Charities Helping the Tsunami Victims
By Brennen Jensen and Nicole Wallace

Donations have streamed in to relief organizations that are providing aid to victims of the deadly earthquake

ALSO SEE:

Helping the Tsunami Victims: Donations from U.S. Foundations and Companies




and tsunamis in South Asia. American relief charities have raised more than $406-million, with much of the money coming in online. The total amount raised from private sources now well exceeds the $350-million pledged by the U.S. government.

Some of the money raised by relief groups has been contributed by companies and foundations. The Chronicle has tallied more than $119-million awarded to relief efforts by grant makers."

In Our View: Wait on Tax Break

In Our View: Wait on Tax Break: "In Our View: Wait on Tax Break
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Columbian editorial writers
Benevolence is wonderful, but it can go astray.
Take, for example, Congress' speedy passage of legislation that it hopes will result in more individual contributions to tsunami victims. The new law, signed by President George W. Bush on Jan. 7, allows taxpayers to claim charitable contributions for tsunami-related cash donations made in January 2005 on their 2004 tax returns. On Monday, the Internal Revenue Service issued guidelines explaining how to take advantage of the early return (visit www.irs.gov).
Normally, charitable donations made in a given year can only be claimed on that same calendar year's tax form. It keeps things nice and tidy. But good intentions have lead our lawmakers to this ex post facto tax break of sorts. We fear it will also lead to confusion and possibly tax cheating.
If you've ever claimed charitable contributions before, you know that the tax form provides a fairly loose process for doing so that relies on the honor system and a fear of a possible audit. You don't mail in receipts or even list where donations went. Instead, you keep your records of various transactions in case of an audit. But will people in 2006 remember that they already claimed some or all of their January 2005 charitable donations for tsunami relief efforts? It's quite possible they won't, and that they'll accidentally take the tax break twice, which is not allowed. Even if they do remember, it might be tempting for people to use the donation on both years' tax forms, knowing that if they are audited, they'll have a convenient alibi that they simply forgot their good deeds had already been accounted for.
IRS media spokesman Bill Steiner told us Wednesday that there is no go"

Giving to mission falls after tsunami

Giving to mission falls after tsunami: "Giving to mission falls after tsunami
Thursday, January 13, 2005
By Ted Roelofs
The Grand Rapids Press
At Mel Trotter Ministries in Grand Rapids, hearts go out to victims of the Dec. 26 Indian Ocean tsunami.
They also worry about the homeless men, women and children they serve, as donations dipped in the wake of the disaster. "

TheStar.com - Charitable acts

TheStar.com - Charitable acts: "Charitable acts
Dozens of Canadian performers get together for a benefit concert tonight at CBC in Toronto

VINAY MENON

Haunted and mobilized by the tragedy in southern Asia, an unprecedented coalition of Canadian broadcasters, relief agencies, celebrities, and politicians is mounting a historic benefit concert.
A crew of more than 100 is frantically transforming two rooftop CBC studios this morning, preparing for tonight's three-hour live concert, one that involves 26 acts, more than 50 stars, 16 cameras, satellite trucks, and dozens of the country's leading technical wizards.
Canada for Asia (on CBC at 7 p.m.) will be broadcast across the country in support of the relief efforts under way in Asian coastal regions, where last month's monstrous earthquake and tsunami killed at least 150,000 people and shattered the lives of millions more."

E-mail scam rides wave of disaster | The San Diego Union-Tribune

E-mail scam rides wave of disaster | The San Diego Union-Tribune: "E-mail scam rides wave of disaster

By Bruce V. Bigelow
STAFF WRITER
January 13, 2005
The e-mail soliciting donations for tsunami relief in Southeast Asia looked authentic.

Advertisement

The online appeal appeared to come from Mercy Corps, a legitimate international aid agency in Portland, Ore., and included a photo and other information"

Why stars and charities need each other | csmonitor.com

Why stars and charities need each other | csmonitor.com: "Why stars and charities need each other

By Peter Ford and Gloria Goodale | Staff writers of The Christian Science Monitor

PARIS AND LOS ANGELES � When Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher decided to contribute $10 million to tsunami-relief efforts last week, he did not hide his light under a bushel.
Instead, the race-car driver had his manager announce the gift in a phone call to a nationally broadcast telethon in his native Germany. As the largest known individual donation, the gesture drew instant global attention."

Jewish and Israel News from New York - The Jewish Week

Jewish and Israel News from New York - The Jewish Week: "With Aid Boom Come Questions
Groups mull how to spend $13 million in tsunami relief funds; impact on other causes assessed.
Adam Dickter - Staff Writer

As contributions for Asian tsunami relief through Jewish organizations soared to $13 million and counting this week, a newly formed alliance with a unified bank account began mulling who will get the money � and not everyone appears on the same page. "

World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
NGOs blocking corporate Tsunami aid


Ethical Corporation, 11 January 2005 - A Hong Kong-based charity group has said that corporations are frustrated they cannot find outlets for their donations of goods and services for the communities ravaged by last month's tsunami.

Sally Begbie, director of the Global Hand group, which redestributes unused products given by firms, told Ethical Corporation that the corporate sector is finding it too difficult to find charities who will accept goods and services from them.

"There is a degree of corporate frustration at the moment. Many corporations want to give product. They are feeling impotent," she says.

She believes many have given up trying to give as a result.

Global Hand’s concerns have been confirmed by at least one industry group Ethical Corporation has spoken to.

National Business Review (NBR) - Business, News, Arts, Media, Share Market & More

National Business Review (NBR) - Business, News, Arts, Media, Share Market & More: "Indonesia wants foreign aid workers out by 26 March
Foreign troops give the wrong impression

No military planes allowed




The Boxing Day tsunami relief effort is unsettling the government of Indonesia, which said yesterday it wants foreign workers -- particularly those wearing military uniforms -- out of the country as soon as possible but not later than 26 March. "

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

Hamilton

Hamilton: "Tsunami relief drive a hit

January 12, 2005


The one-day CH Tsunami Relief Drive, which took place Tuesday, Janu. 11, helped raise $865,587 for tsunami survivors.
'The outpouring of "

TPI provides links to many helpful sites and resources on philanthropy.

TPI provides links to many helpful sites and resources on philanthropy.: "Tsunami Disaster Relief Efforts

The magnitude of the loss of human life, grief, and destruction wreaked by the tsunami in the Indian Ocean is overwhelming. There has been an outpouring of compassion and with the charitable impulse have come questions about how best to help those affected by this enormous tragedy. For TPI clients and others who wish to support disaster relief and rebuilding efforts, we offer a brief set of criteria and questions that donors may want to consider in selecting agencies:

On the ground presence and reach:
Has the organization had an ongoing presence, prior to December 2004, in most or all of the countries affected by the tsunami?
Does the organization have solid relationships and partnerships enabling it to be effective and efficient in addressing critical needs in the affected countries?
Is the organization well-positioned to work within the existing infrastructure to get resources to where they are most needed? "

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Charity Boosts Tsunami Appeal

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Charity Boosts Tsunami Appeal: "Charity Boosts Tsunami Appeal

By Dan Webber, Community Newswire

The In Kind Direct charity has today responded to the Asian tsunami disaster by providing a link between companies and charities working in the region"

CTV.ca | Canada Cares

CTV.ca | Canada Cares: "Charity 101: Where does all the money go?
CTV.ca News Staff
January 10, 2005 6:31 PM ET
Early figures show Canadians have reached into their pockets to donate more than $100 million Cdn. toward tsunami relief.
The Canadian government has promised to match donations made by Canadians to several eligible organizations from the date of the disaster on December 26, 2004 to January 11, 2005. It also increased its contribution to $425 million on Monday."

Realtor issues adopt-a-village challenge

Realtor issues adopt-a-village challenge: "Realtor issues adopt-a-village challenge
Posted Jan 11 2005 02:19 PM PST - CBC News
VANCOUVER - A small Vancouver real estate business is pledging $100,000 to adopt and re-build communities in Southeast Asia that have been destroyed by the recent tsunamis. "

CBC - Nova Scotia Aid donations flow as deadline nears

CBC - Nova Scotia: "Aid donations flow as deadline nears
WebPosted Jan 11 2005 03:13 PM EST
CBC News

HALIFAX � People are racing to drop off their donations for tsunami relief before midnight so Ottawa will match what they give.
The federal government has promised $425 million to help the relief effort in Asia, with $150 million of that going to match public donations to certain aid groups."

Tsunami online donations trigger major IT challenges

Tsunami online donations trigger major IT challenges: "Tsunami online donations trigger major IT challenges
Canadian relief agencies put emergency measures in place to handle unprecedented spike in Web traffic
By: Vanessa Ho
IT World Canada (11 Jan 2005)
Canadian charities in the forefront of tsunami relief efforts have faced unparalleled IT challenges as a result of the spike of online donations over the past few weeks"

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | TV and Radio | Clooney defends tsunami benefit

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | TV and Radio | Clooney defends tsunami benefit: "Clooney defends tsunami benefit

Clooney, Madonna and Diana Ross will take part in the TV special
Actor George Clooney has reacted angrily to a TV host's suggestion that not all funds raised in a US TV special would go towards tsunami relief.
Fox TV's Bill O'Reilly suggested on air that not all the cash raised by the 15 January show would go to aid relief.
'Because of it, fewer people will donate money to "

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Insult to injury

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Insult to injury: "Insult to injury

Money raised for tsunami victims should go to indigenous charities - rather than international agencies with costly overheads, says Nick Cater

Tuesday January 11, 2005

How much tsunami disaster cash will reach those in greatest need and have a significant, sustainable impact is as much a question for all those fundraising charities running appeals as for governments whose multimillion dollar pledges sometimes "

.: Corvallis Gazette-Times :. News Corporations' giving soars for aid to tsunami victims

.: Corvallis Gazette-Times :. News: "Corporations' giving soars for aid to tsunami victims

Donations to assist victims rivaled only by 9-11 gifts

By ADAM GELLER
AP business writer
NEW YORK � U.S. companies have donated more than $180 million in cash and products to assist victims of the tsunami that ravaged South Asia two weeks ago � an outpouring some philanthropy experts say may eventually exceed corporate giving tied to the 2001 terrorist attacks."

Macleans.ca | Top Stories | Politics | Minister worries that some countries may renege on tsunami pledges

Macleans.ca | Top Stories | Politics | Minister worries that some countries may renege on tsunami pledges: "Minister worries that some countries may renege on tsunami pledges
JOHN WARD
OTTAWA (CP) - Aileen Carroll, the Minister for International Co-operation, says she worries that some countries may fail to deliver the tsunami relief money they have promised.
The concern was widely addressed Tuesday at an international conference in Geneva when Jan Egeland, the UN humanitarian chief, told donor countries that some have reneged on pledges in the past."

Canada NewsWire CAW Donations Generate $2.1 Million For Tsunami Relief

Canada NewsWire: "CAW Donations Generate $2.1 Million For Tsunami Relief
TORONTO, Jan. 11 /CNW/ - CAW president Buzz Hargrove today announced the
CAW and its 265,000 members have generated donations totalling $2.1 million for tsunami relief.
The money, which is a record amount for the CAW, was raised by members through plant gate collections, individual donations, other workplace initiatives as well as from local union donations and matching funds from the CAW national union."

Committee thinks big in aiding relief efforts

Committee thinks big in aiding relief efforts: "Committee thinks big in aiding relief efforts
By Joel Lanceta
January 11, 2005 in News
A group of University students are organizing what they hope will be a �mega-event� to raise money for the tsunami relief effort and tap into the spirit of philanthropy and community on campus.
The group, which formed its own ad-hoc committee at the beginning of this quarter, is trying to realize their goal of a stair-climb with hundreds of University participants at a famous Chicago landmark.

Bloomberg.com: Europe Western Lenders Split Over Debt Relief for Tsunami-Hit Nations

Bloomberg.com: Europe: "Western Lenders Split Over Debt Relief for Tsunami-Hit Nations
Jan. 12 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. and Europe are at odds over a U.K. proposal that the Paris Club of creditor nations reduce debts of countries hardest hit by the Dec. 26 tsunami.
Britain, backed by France and Germany, is urging the 19 nations meeting in Paris today to cancel debt of as much as $10 billion owed by Sri Lanka and grant relief on Indonesia's $47.8 billion obligation. The two countries were worst affected by the disaster. The U.S. is concerned the plan may damage credit ratings and funnel money to bureaucracies instead of victims. "

FT.com / Home UK - UN vows openness on handling of tsunami donations

FT.com / Home UK - UN vows openness on handling of tsunami donations: "UN vows openness on handling of tsunami donations
By Frances Williams in Geneva
Published: January 12 2005 02:00 | Last updated: January 12 2005 02:00

The United Nations assured international donors yesterday that it would do everything possible to ensure accountability of the huge tsunami relief operation and pledged immediate investigation of any allegations of mishandling of funds.

Speaking in Geneva, where donors pledged an immediate response of more that $700m (�534m) towards the UN's $977m appeal, Jan Egeland, the UN's top emergency relief co-ordinator, said: 'We can't afford any question marks over what happens to these unprecedented donations.' The UN is preparing an improved real-time, online financial tracking service to record the flow of funds 'from pledge via commitment to actual disbursement'."

Rocky Mountain News: Technology

Rocky Mountain News: Technology: "Online giving bolsters aid to tsunami victims
By David Ho, Cox News Service
January 12, 2005
NEW YORK - When the roar of the deadly tsunami subsided, the clicking began.
From laptops and desktops, from offices and Internet cafes, shocked people around the world sought and found an immediate way to help: go online, click and give. "

Tsunami steals focus from the United Way

Tsunami steals focus from the United Way: "Tsunami steals focus from the United Way
By Rob Schneider
rob.schneider@indystar.com
January 12, 2005
With a little more than three weeks remaining to reach its campaign goal of $36.6 million, the United Way of Central Indiana finds itself sharing the stage with an international relief effort to assist the victims of the tsunami disaster.
Ellen Annala, president and CEO of the local United Way, said the situation reflects the reality that its campaign or any other local effort "

Indo-Asian News Service -> India-Disaster-Tsunami-Funds-> Prime minister's tsunami fundraiser breaks record

Indo-Asian News Service -> India-Disaster-Tsunami-Funds-> Prime minister's tsunami fundraiser breaks record: "Prime minister's tsunami fundraiser breaks record
Indo-Asian News Service


New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) At the receiving end of a giant wave of compassion and concern for the victims of the killer tsunamis, the prime minister's national relief fund has garnered a record Rs.4.42 billion and is still counting.

From beggars and street children to blue chip companies, from sportspersons to film stars, a mass of donors from across the country and abroad has poured into the prime minister's fund like never before, surpassing the contributions that followed the last major calamity - the Gujarat earthquake."

PR or Charity? - COLUMN - MOSNEWS.COM

PR or Charity? - COLUMN - MOSNEWS.COM: "PR or Charity?
Created: 12.01.2005 12:40 MSK (GMT +3), Updated: 12:40 MSK, 3 hours 33 minutes ago
Georgy Bovt
Gazeta.Ru

They say grief brings people together while mutual assistance ennobles them. Perhaps, that is true. But some questions remain.

The other day Reuters and The Financial Times newspaper published an impressive list of 45 countries whose governments and private individuals have donated cash to the victims of tsunami-hit Southeast Asia. "

NN votes to help tsunami victims

NN votes to help tsunami victims: "NN votes to help tsunami victims


BY FRED CARROLL
247-4756

Published January 12, 2005

NEWPORT NEWS -- The Newport News City Council joined the unprecedented humanitarian effort to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean by voting unanimously Tuesday to donate $50,000 in local tax money.

The U.S. government has already pledged $350 million. The American Red Cross - which will get the city's donation - has pledges totaling $150 million"

baltimoresun.com - The NGO phenomenon

baltimoresun.com - The NGO phenomenon: "The NGO phenomenon
Disaster relief appears simple: People are in need, so help is sent. Yet how aid is supplied, especially by nongovernmental organizations that seek long-term development of stricken areas, is decidedl

baltimoresun.com - Some organizations mix missionary work with aid

baltimoresun.com - Some organizations mix missionary work with aid: "Some evangelical groups are mixing Christian missionary work with humanitarian aid in countries ravaged by the tsunamis and earthquake, a provocative approach shunned by the majority of faith-based relief organizations.

Spreading faith this way can antagonize the people they're trying to help, and there's evidence of concern among Muslims, Hindus and others. But evangelical leaders say they define humanitarian aid as having a spiritual component."

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

ePhilanthropy eZine: Case Study: Oxfam Helps Others By Using Internet

ePhilanthropy eZine: Case Study: Oxfam Helps Others By Using Internet: "Case Study: Oxfam Helps Others By Using Internet
'we were taking in over two million dollars a day'
Dave Moore, Oxfam America


When I first heard about the tsunami, I was relaxing in Maine, playing with my niece and nephew, consciously avoiding the media. I quickly checked my email and was relieved to see that people were already working on the response. Out of mere curiosity, I checked the donation figures and was surprised to see that people had already given $25,000 to tsunami relief. �Hmm�That�s a bit higher than I expected,� I thought to myself. Then I turned on the TV."

ePhilanthropy eZine: Tsunami: Early Lessons To Be Learned

ePhilanthropy eZine: Tsunami: Early Lessons To Be Learned: "Tsunami: Early Lessons To Be Learned
A Global Internet Community Comes To Aid of Those In Need
Vinay Bhagat, Founder & Chief Strategy O...


The modern world has never before witnessed a natural disaster of the magnitude of the tsunami that hit Asia in late December 2004. Each day since the tidal wave struck has brought increases in death tolls and more stories of devastated towns and lives. The groundswell of response from governments, corporations and individuals � with more than $5 billion committed to date � is likely to set a record for relief fundraising. And although people around the world have demonstrated tremendous generosity to date, we are still at the cusp of sustained development fundraising efforts and pressures mount daily for more international government funding. An unprecedented flow of information and opinions is helping to stimulate government grants and individual giving. But beyond being an efficient vehicle for fundraising, the Internet is "

PND News - Nonprofits Weigh Effect of Tsunami Giving on Fundraising

PND News - Nonprofits Weigh Effect of Tsunami Giving on Fundraising: "Nonprofits Weigh Effect of Tsunami Giving on Fundraising
While some nonprofit organizations are worried that the unprecedented charitable response to the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami may result in fewer donations at home, others are hopeful that an increase in new donors will result in more charitable giving over the long term.
Like many of his colleagues in the human services field, Keith Kuenning, executive director of the New Hampshire Coalition to End Homelessness, is worried that donations for tsunami relief may actually drain money from existing domestic needs. 'I think it's great that we're concentrating on the millions of people the tsunami has left homeless,' Kuenning told the Manchester Union Leader, 'but I think it's important we don't forget the millions of people in the United States that are homeless every year.'"

Saskatoon StarPhoenix - canada.com network Ottawa ups tsunami aid to $425M

Saskatoon StarPhoenix - canada.com network: "Ottawa ups tsunami aid to $425M
Sixth Canadian confirmed dead
CanWest News Service
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
OTTAWA -- The federal government will increase its tsunami aid fund to $425 million over five years, in part because it agreed to match the generosity of Canadians who privately raised $150 million."

Saskatoon StarPhoenix - canada.com network Ottawa ups tsunami aid to $425M

Saskatoon StarPhoenix - canada.com network: "Ottawa ups tsunami aid to $425M
Sixth Canadian confirmed dead
CanWest News Service


Tuesday, January 11, 2005


1 2 NEXT >>





OTTAWA -- The federal government will increase its tsunami aid fund to $425 million over five years, in part because it agreed to match the generosity of Canadians who privately raised $150 million."

Reuters AlertNet - President Bush Met with AJWS President on Tsunami Efforts

Reuters AlertNet - President Bush Met with AJWS President on Tsunami Efforts

Chicago Tribune | Hondurans know how quickly aid evaporates

Chicago Tribune | Hondurans know how quickly aid evaporates: "Hondurans know how quickly aid evaporates

By Ginger Thompson and Nazila Fathi
New York Times News Service
Published January 11, 2005


TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- The people of San Miguel Arcangel know all too well what it is like to be struck by disaster, and they have watched the world rush to Asia's rescue with sober eyes.

Elder Nahum Caceres said his entire community was swept off a hillside six years ago by Hurricane Mitch. In his wallet he keeps a handwritten list of the dozen international aid organizations that have come and gone."

USATODAY.com - Poll: U.S. donations still flowing to Asia

USATODAY.com - Poll: U.S. donations still flowing to Asia: "Poll: U.S. donations still flowing to Asia
By Haya El Nasser, USA TODAY
A third of American households say they have given money to help the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami, a USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll shows.
More than 75% of those who gave said they contributed $100 or less, and the rest gave more. The average donation: $279.
An additional 44% of respondents say they have thought about contributing money to the relief efforts but haven't done so.
Last week, another USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll showed a higher percentage of households claiming to have given money: 45%. Both surveys have a margin of error of +/� 3 percentage points."

USATODAY.com - Give to tsunami aid now, deduct it on '04 returns

USATODAY.com - Give to tsunami aid now, deduct it on '04 returns:
snip snip
"There are, however, some details you should be aware of before you start writing checks. Among them:
�The charitable contribution must benefit victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami.
To ensure your donation qualifies, contribute to a charity that has established a designated fund for tsunami victims, suggests Yasmin Causer, a financial planner for Cabot Money Management in Salem, Mass.
Make sure the charity is a tax-exempt U.S. organization. Direct contributions to foreign charities may not qualify, even if they're involved in tsunami relief efforts."

Bush tells donors to remember U.S. needs - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - January 11, 2005

Bush tells donors to remember U.S. needs - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - January 11, 2005: "Bush tells donors to remember U.S. needs
By Joseph Curl
THE WASHINGTON TIMES

President Bush yesterday warned Americans not to allow the disaster in the Indian Ocean to 'shortchange' the needs of U.S. charities, as he pledged that the United States would uphold a long-term commitment to the tsunami-hit nations of Asia and Africa. "

Jerusalem Post | US corporate tsunami aid tops $302 m.

Jerusalem Post Breaking News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World: "US corporate tsunami aid tops $302 m.
By ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK

US corporate donations for tsunami relief in south Asia now top $302 million, including more than $110 million in cash, according to an updated survey Monday by The Associated Press.
In addition to cash, companies have pledged everything from medical supplies to bottled water to broadcast time"

BostonHerald.com - Business: Tsunami charity doesn't start at home

BostonHerald.com - Business: Tsunami charity doesn't start at home: "Tsunami charity doesn't start at home
By Brett Arends/ On State Street
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Of course people want to do everything they can. And in Boston and around the world, they are raising billions of dollars to help the victims of last month's tsunami.

But the financial outpouring raises some questions.

The federal government has promised to give $350 million.

But first it will have to borrow the money.

Who from? Quite possibly from the victims. "

Aftermath of the tsunami Preparing a massive relief effort

Aftermath of the tsunami Preparing a massive relief effort: "Aftermath of the tsunami Preparing a massive relief effort


UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan made an impassioned appeal for nearly a billion dollars of immediate aid for countries stricken by the Asian tsunami disaster as the head of the world body took charge of coordinating the world�s response to the tragedy. Addressing a one-day summit of world leaders in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, and called to organize what will eventually amount to several billion dollars in relief and long-term reconstruction aid for the Indian Ocean region, Annan said the sum of 977 million dollars was needed immediately for specific projects to help five million people. Annan warned that without rapid action, disease in devastated areas could send the death toll soaring above the 146,000 fatalitie"

Chinese people donate US$18 million to tsunami-hit areas

Chinese people donate US$18 million to tsunami-hit areas: "Chinese people donate US$18 million to tsunami-hit areas

BEIJING (AP) - China's public and a handful of its major corporations have donated more than US$18 million (euro14 million) to Asia's tsunami-hit areas, state media reported Tuesday.
The outpouring of private money is unprecedented for China, where giving to charity is rare and aiding disaster survivors abroad is almost unknown. The average annual income per person in China is under US$1,000 (euro760). "

BAY AREA / Charities riding out tsunami / Contributions to nonprofits haven't slowed

BAY AREA / Charities riding out tsunami / Contributions to nonprofits haven't slowed: "Charities riding out tsunami
Contributions to nonprofits haven't slowed
Todd Wallack, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Despite concerns that the rush of donations to relief efforts in southern Asia would reduce money available for other needy causes, several Bay Area charities say their own fund-raising efforts have remained unaffected so far. "

CBC Prince Edward Island - Charities hope to be remembered after tsunami

CBC Prince Edward Island - Charities hope to be remembered after tsunami: "Charities hope to be remembered after tsunami
Last Updated Jan 10 2005 08:46 AM AST
CBC News
CHARLOTTETOWN � Some charities in the province are worried about how donations to the tsunami relief efforts are going to affect their own bottom lines.
Islanders have donated more than $200,000 to the relief effort in south east Asia.
The tragedy has also triggered an enormous fundraising effort in both the private sector and among aid organizations around the world.
INDEPTH: How to help tsunami victims
However, it appears some local charities are feeling the pinch."

CBC - New Brunswick 11 year old donates paper route case to Asian Disaster

CBC - New Brunswick: "11-year-old donates paper route cash to Asian disaster
WebPosted Jan 10 2005 04:32 PM AST
CBC News

FREDERICTON � A Fredericton boy has donated all of his paper route money to tsunami disaster relief.
It took 11-year-old Zack Booker more than five months of delivering newspapers to save the $400 he donated to the Red Cross.
Booker was planning on using his earnings to buy a computer, but changed his mind after seeing images of the tsunami on the news."

CBC Toronto - Toronto couple donates $5M to tsunami relief

CBC Toronto - Toronto couple donates $5M to tsunami relief: "Toronto couple donates $5M to tsunami relief
Web Posted Jan 10 2005 02:06 PM EST
CBC News

Kroum and Eva Pindoff
INDEPTH: Disaster in Asia
Eva and Kroum Pindoff said they initially planned to give $500,000, but were moved by pictures from the disaster-stricken regions of Southeast Asia."

Monday, January 10, 2005

The New York Times > International > International Special > Aid: U.N. Moves to Devise System for Tracking Relief Money

The New York Times > International > International Special > Aid: U.N. Moves to Devise System for Tracking Relief Money: "U.N. Moves to Devise System for Tracking Relief Money
By JUDITH MILLER

Published: January 10, 2005

Tarnished by its handling of the oil-for-food program in Iraq, the United Nations is taking measures to ensure public accountability of how money is spent, as it begins a multibillion-dollar program of tsunami relief.
In an interview on Sunday, Jan Egeland, the United Nations undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs, said his office was working with international financial experts, including the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, to devise a public tracking system so that member states and the members of the public who contribute to the relief program can follow the progress of the money as it works its way to those in need, through the Internet.