[UC] RE: IRC and aid to victims of the tsunami

[Mayer, Ann]

I have talked with NGO experts who also say that with donations to IRC, you are getting the money To the people who need it, NOT paying a high percentage for overhead.  That is why I donate to IRC rather than other organizations who claim to have similar missions.   Ann Mayer   Here is a recent report:   International Rescue Committee (IRC) - USA Website: http://www.theIRC.org The International Rescue Committee is mounting a massive disaster relief effort in response to last weekend’s devastating offshore earthquake and tsunami. More than 40 tons of emergency medical supplies, shelter material and water storage tanks are being procured and airlifted to Indonesia to meet the needs of tens of thousands of refugees in devastated Aceh Province. Aceh is the region closest to the quake’s epicenter and the death toll there is estimated at 80,000 people and rising. Scores more have been injured and an estimated 500,000 people have been left homeless. The IRC is deploying mobile emergency response teams consisting of medical, water, sanitation, child trauma and logistics experts who will help address the immediate survival needs of the affected communities. In the emergency phase, the IRC will focus on increasing access to potable water and sanitation facilities, delivering urgent primary health care, distributing emergency supplies and providing psychosocial aid for survivors. “Our first priority is to ensure that people have access to safe drinking water” says Gerald Martone, IRC’s director of emergency programs. “Contaminated drinking water is the most serious cause of death and disease in a crisis like this. We are dispatching public health professionals to Aceh who are experts in securing potable water sources in extreme situations.” To help prevent a lethal outbreak of infectious diseases in disaster-affected communities, the IRC is quickly bringing in essential medicines and clinical supplies for 250,000 people for a three-month period. The IRC will also distribute insecticide-treated plastic sheeting for shelter, blankets, water containers, and other items urgently required by the hundreds of thousands of survivors who have been made homeless by the disaster. The IRC has been aiding conflict-affected communities in Indonesia since 1999. In 2001, the IRC began working through the CARDI consortium, which brings together four specialized humanitarian agencies: the IRC, the Danish Refugee Council, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Stichting Vluchteling. For more information, visit www.theirc.org or contact: Gillian Dunn, Indonesia (+1) 917-892-4681 (global cell phone), [EMAIL PROTECTED] Aitor Lacome, Indonesia (+62) 21 724 7080 or (+62) 813 1097 1159/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peter Biro, Indonesia (+62) 21 724 7080 / [EMAIL PROTECTED] Melissa Winkler, New York (+1) 212 551 0972 / (+1) 646 734 0305 / melissa@theirc.org Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a global leader in relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development and resettlement services for refugees and other populations uprooted or affected by persecution or violent conflict.     -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Raaven O'Quinn Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 10:53 AM To: University City Subject: Re: [UC] Not about HD - Aid to victims of the Tsunami   I have it from a co-alumni (who is also an ex-war/international-reporter) that in the many international conflicts he's seen, the leanest, meanest, most useful organization he's seen is the International Rescue Committee.   They're considered one of the top charitable organizations in the world for their efficiency and quality, they devote a ridiculously small amount of resources to fund-raising and administration, and they've got experience in the area (Aceh province, particularly, where they already have people who were dealing with refugees of the political difficulties there before the disaster). Online donations and more info here: http://tinyurl.com/4d52p -Raaven O'Quinn "When stupidity is considered patriotism, it is unsafe to be intelligent."--Isaac Asimov Jim and Viet-Huong Tran Kurtz wrote: I just checked the Mennonite Central Committee site.  I am biased...I worked for MCC in Asia for many years...but I in my opinion they are a reputable organization....as are the others listed by Joe Clark. MCC is in process of airlifting water, grain, canned meat and medicine to the region.  Was very easy to make an on-line donation.   Jim Kurtz Joe Clarke <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:     Subject: Victims of the Tsunami   If you want to help out by contributing to the relief effort, here are some reputable groups who already work in these countries and who have set up a relief effort for the victims of the tidal wave.   Joe Clarke       FOR MERCY'S SAKE   (Sojourners Website) ^top     As we join in prayer and concern for the millions affected by the earthquakes and tidal waves in South Asia, we offer this list of trusted humanitarian organizations that are responding to the crisis. (This list is by no means complete or exhaustive of all worthy organizations.) + Catholic Relief Service + Christian Aid + Church World Service + International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies + Lutheran World Relief + Mennonite Central Committee + Mercy Corps + World Relief + World Vision   -- -------"When stupidity is considered patriotism, it is unsafe to beintelligent."--Isaac Asimov ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see .