Community Focus

Community organizations band together to assist earthquake victims

The monstrous Tsunami that unexpectedly devastated a number of countries in South East Asia on December 26, has moved many Torontonians to action. Amar Erry, President of Arya Samaj Toronto said a South Asian Earthquake Relief (SAER) Committee has been created comprising representatives from the major temples in the GTA.

At the Vedic Cultural Centre, the representatives all gathered at an emergency meeting on December 27 to discuss ways to assist the rehabilitation of the countries affected.

The committee will take action through raising funds, as well as channeling volunteers to assist with large-scale fundraisers. For instance, through working with a non-governmental charity such as that of Chin Radio, the temples have spread the word about much needed volunteers for the radiothons which will be held all week from Monday to Friday at 7:30-11 p.m.

The radiothon can be heard on 100.7 fm and phone calls can be made to Chin Radio at (905) 886-0185. Long distance calls can be made to 1-888-222-2375.

Volunteers interested in being an operator for the radiothon are advised to contact the Vishnu Mandir and sign up ahead of time.

Erry said "the SAER committee hopes to appeal to people beyond the Hindu community in Toronto, and reach the broader community". The committee has already recorded television appeals to be aired on the Eye on Asia program. Appeals will also be made on Vision TV.

The representatives from the different temples have created a SAER fund so that people can easily donate money to the cause. Erry listed two ways in which people can help. Firstly, they can go to their nearest temple and make a cheque out to "The South Asian Earthquake Relief Fund 2004." Secondly, they can deposit money into a Toronto Dominion Canada Trust account named "South Asian Earthquake Relief Fund 2004" with the number 03302-5207651. These deposits can be made at any branch.

Erry emphasized the combined nature of these efforts to help the people in South East Asia.

Many people feel more comfortable donating foodstuffs and water to the Tsunami survivors, however, as many news stations have said, it is more economically feasible to donate cash instead. The cost of flying physical products over to Asia is much less cost efficient than wiring money there. (C.R.)

Live pictures from the disaster areas provided by the Bharat Sevashram Sangha in India. The Sangha, like so many organizations and individuals the world over, has started extensive relief work in Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands etc.

 

  

 

PM meets with community leaders in GTA

Toronto — Prime Minister Paul Martin met on Monday with leaders of the South Asian community in the Greater Toronto Area and discussed Canada’s humanitarian aid efforts to the victims of tsunami in South Asia.

Community representatives were very pleased with the response of the Canadian Government to this disaster.

But one of the concerns expressed was that Canadian aid should be equitably distributed among all those affected by the devastation. The Prime Minister vowed that the government is, "not going to allow Canadian aid to be frustrated."

He urged community members to help in this regard asking them to tell him, through their Members of Parliament, if they found this not to be the case.

Speakers were also concerned that the various community organizations raising funds do not all have charitable tax status. The Prime Minister said the government is prepared to look at this issue, on a case-by-case basis.

The Prime Minister said Canada would continue to respond to the needs of the people of the region for the long term.

The meeting concluded with a minute of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the December 26th tsunami in South Asia.

VisionTV’s West Indians United devotes special edition to Asian tsunami disaster

The devastation left in the wake of the Asian tsunami has shocked the entire world, triggering an unprecedented outpouring of aid from Canada and other developed nations.

The VisionTV faith series West Indians United TV will devote its next broadcast to a special report on the disaster and its aftermath. The hour-long show airs on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 9 a.m. ET.

The program will focus on the relief efforts being organized by Canadians, and will explain what viewers can do to help make sure that much-needed supplies reach survivors in time.

On the morning of Dec. 26, a powerful undersea earthquake produced a series of huge waves in the Indian Ocean that smashed into the coastal areas of several countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India. The death toll is expected to reach 150,000, and millions more have been left without clean water, food, shelter and medicine.

Ottawa has pledged $80 million in aid for south Asia, and ordinary Canadians have committed another $36 million.

West Indians United TV is the weekly series of Maha Shiva Mandir Sabha, serving Hindu Canadians of East and West Indian origin. The show broadcasts in English and Hindi.

Many of the viewers served by this program come from countries affected by the tsunami disaster.

For more information, contact Buddy Singh, Executive Producer, West Indians United TV, 416-746-0074

David Todd, VisionTV Marketing & Communications, 416-368-3194 ext. 207, dtodd@visiontv.ca <mailto:dtodd@visiontv.ca

Tsunami relief:

India Rainbow launches a fundraising drive

India Rainbow Community Services of Peel (IRCS) has launched a fundraising drive to help relief efforts for the dreadful Tsunami disaster. India Rainbow is accepting cash or check donations at their Mississauga and Brampton locations. Checks to be made payable to India Rainbow Tsunami Relief Fund. All proceeds will be forwarded to the Canadian Red Cross.

IRCS is committed to its mission of reaching out to those in need. From among its almost 300 strong membership and a far-reaching client base, almost everyone has, in some way been impacted by the tsunami.

Esa Para Esananda, President of India Rainbow’s Board of Directors, believes that no contribution is too small and only concerted, on-going international efforts will rebuild the disaster zones.

Checks can be mailed to their head office at 3038 Hurontario Street, Suite 206, Mississauga, ON L5B 3B9.

For more information or additional details, please call 905-275 2369 (Mississauga) or 905- 454 2598 (Brampton)

Daksha Mulla

Manager

India Rainbow Community Services of Peel

Mississauga, ON L5B 3B9

Phone: 905-275 2369 Fax: 905- 275 6799

Email: dmulla@indiarainbow.org

Website: www.indiarainbow.org

Hindu Federation to hold special services for disaster victims

The Federation of Hindu Temples Of Canada, will hosting a Multi faith service for the victims of the South East Asian disaster.

This service will be held at the Mississauga Ram Mandir, 270 Export Blvd., Mississauga, on the 8th Jan. 2005 @ 6:00 PM.

All member temples and associations are asked to show their solidarity and come to participate with us in this service.

For futher information please contact-:

Vishnu Sookar 905-337 9491 or 416 –407 4194

Pt. Roopnauth Sharma 416-856-3810 or 905-696-8886.

 
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