Kaua‘i has felt disaster and the loss of jobs and homes from hurricanes. As tragic as that has been, the recent tsunami in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and surrounding areas has taken countless lives, with the real numbers still unknown, said leaders of the YWCA of Kauai.
Leaders at the YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association) of Kauai have received word from sister organizations in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Thailand asking for support.
“We have received numerous calls from the local community who have asked how they can help, and if they can really make a difference,” stated Barbara Rehmer, YWCA executive director.
She added, “Yes, we can make a huge difference, because any financial support can go a long way in helping to rebuild the lives of so many families. A second appeal from the World YWCA president and general secretary has been issued to stress the urgent need for financial support for the YWCAs in these countries.
“Global solidarity among YWCAs and their communities is needed in this time of crisis, to continue these important efforts with the homeless, the widowed, the orphaned, those whose lives and livelihoods have been shattered by the disaster,” Rehmer continued.
Over 140,000 people are dead, and millions have been left traumatized and without water, food and shelter. The worst affected areas have been Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand, with the impacts are also being felt in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Somalia and a number of island nations.
The YWCA has a strong presence in the region, and member associations in the devastated countries of Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India have quickly mobilized in response to this disaster, she explained.
These efforts draw on the existing strengths of YWCAs in the region, including existing infrastructure that enables shelter for the many left homeless, and a distribution point for emergency supplies. Most of the YWCAs in the region also have had a long-term presence in affected communities, as well as a wealth of experience in sustaining the livelihoods of the poorest in their communities, said Rehmer.
Leaders with the YWCA of India have already begun relief efforts in three regions. In Madras, the YWCA has established an orphanage for 21 children who lost both parents in the tsunami. They have made a long-term commitment to ensure these children receive a proper education and upbringing. The association leaders are also working intensively with some of the most affected families, to help them rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Already, plans are underway to build shacks and fishing boats for 10 of the poorest families in Madras. Similar efforts are underway in other parts of southern India.
In Sri Lanka, YWCA officials are working in six regions in coalition with other non-government organizations. Many homeless people have been accommodated in the YWCA’s hostel, and the association’s leaders’ immediate plans are to reconstruct homes and ensure the livelihoods of affected families.
And in Indonesia, where the YWCA has only just begun and is working towards affiliation, volunteers in Medan and Jakarta are collecting emergency supplies for survivors in the devastated Aceh region, she said.
Women from YWCAs in the region have risen to the challenges caused by the tsunami disaster, and are providing leadership in the emergency response, Rehmer said. However, the extent of the devastation and the need for a long-term commitment to rebuild communities affected by tsunamis requires urgent resources, she added.
While many of the large aid agencies are distributing food, shelter, medicines and clothing to meet the immediate needs of survivors, many people have turned up at YWCA premises seeking urgent help due to the associations’ existing social outreach programs.
All of the YWCAs in affected countries have appealed to YWCAs around the world to provide financial support for these efforts. “On behalf of the YWCAs in these countries, we are now appealing to you for financial support in this disaster,” Rehmer said. “People have made offers of in-kind support, which are incredibly generous. However, we do want to advise that the YWCAs have prioritized the need for financial support so as to minimize transport logistics,” she said.
“In all the countries, the most needed supplies are available in some other parts of the affected countries, and cash contributions will enable YWCAs to purchase supplies most needed, as well as contribute to the economies of affected countries through the purchase of local products.” stated Rehmer.
“In addition, the World YWCA has established an emergency account specifically for this purpose, which will enable them to wire money directly to the locations where it is most needed. If you are able to help, please inform us and send your contribution to: YWCA of Kauai-Tsunami Fund, 3094 ‘Elua St., Lihu‘e, HI 96766,” she continued.
Other fund-raising efforts are underway, including one spearheaded by students at Kapa‘a High School.
Officials at the American Red Cross both on Kaua‘i and across Hawai‘i have also emphasized the need for cash donations, not in-kind donations, to allow the purchase of relief items in the affected regions.
Those interested may call toll-free 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669, or make a secure online donation at www.redcross.org. Contributions may also be sent to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington D.C. 20013 or to the American Red Cross, Kauai Branch, 4371 Puaole St., Lihu‘e, HI 96766. For further information, please call 245-4919, or e-mail rckauai@verizon.net.
Many people are offering to travel to south Asia to help with the relief efforts. Red Cross leaders have sent a team of delegates to the affected areas who are specialists in water sanitation, technical systems and family reunification.
Leaders at First Hawaiian Bank announced donations totaling $25,000 have been made to the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army to assist relief efforts for victims of the south Asia tsunami disaster.
First Hawaiian leaders will also donate up to $25,000 more to match, dollar for dollar, the first $25,000 of contributions to the public to either of two special accounts at First Hawaiian Bank:
- The Salvation Army South Asia Disaster Fund; and
- The American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and other support to those in need.
Also, officials at Foodland stores announced that shoppers at their stores, including the ones at Waipouli Town Center and Princeville Shopping Center, may make donations at the time of checkout to “Send Aloha to South Asia.” Donations will be given to the American Red Cross.
