Photo: AP

Survivors salvage what they can from the rubble of the devastated commercial district of Banda Aceh.

5 JANUARY 2005

RSA Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund

The scale of the recent Tsunami Disaster in terms of the numbers who have lost their lives, the thousands who are still missing and the huge numbers of displaced persons is horrific, and the numbers keep growing daily.

Frantic efforts are being made by the international aid agencies, to provide shelter, food and medical aid, to the estimated 5 million displaced persons, many of whom are children. But the task is enormous both in terms of manpower and, of course, money.

The United Nations has called on all countries to assist, and in relation to private appeals has indicated that “money” is the best form of assistance that can be given.

To contribute to what can only be described as a massive humanitarian undertaking, RNZRSA National Headquarters has launched “The RSA Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund” for funds to assist each of the affected countries’ survivors, and the families of those who perished or who are missing. An immediate grant of $10,000 to the Fund has been authorised by the Executive Officers of the RNZRSA.

It is not intended that RNZRSA disperse the funds itself, rather they will be channeled through Red Cross.

A number of local RSAs have also advised National Headquarters, individually, that they will be setting up local Appeals for funds to assist survivors of this tragedy.

To contribute to the RSA Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund please visit your local RSA or send Cheques/Money Orders (made payable to “The RSA Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund”) to:

The RSA Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund
RNZRSA National Headquarters
PO Box 27248
WELLINGTON

All donations received will be acknowledged.

We sincerely hope that all RSA members and the veteran community in general will rally to this cause and, in keeping with the RSA motto “People helping People”, make worthwhile contributions to assist those who grieve the loss of loved ones, those who are injured, those who are homeless and the children who have lost a parent or parents, as a result of this tragic event.