HELP FOR TSUNAMI SURVIVORS! An Appeal From the Pesticide Action Network (Asia Pacific)

HELP FOR TSUNAMI SURVIVORS! PLEASE CIRCULATE FAR AND WIDE Please help support fisherfolk and peasant communities for relief and rehabilitation from the Tsunami disaster We are sending out this appeal on behalf of the people’s organisations who are providing relief and assistance to the thousands of victims affected by the recent Tsunami disaster. News regarding the casualties of the Tsunami Disaster is horrific in terms of the death toll and the number of people who are injured, displaced and still missing. The impact on fisherfolk communities has been catastrophic. While we are all grieving the deaths of the victims, we are also responding to this immense crisis by trying to garner support for the survivors of this latest tragedy. We have been in touch with our partners in the network and have received their reports and feedback on the situation in their areas. It has also come to our knowledge that many members of our partner groups have been affected by this disaster. Therefore, any assistance we can give them at this moment is most crucial. Please be informed that we are also constantly in touch with local groups in the affected countries and it has been made known to us that there has been a delay in government aid reaching the affected communities. We are trying to facilitate the support and contribution you give and hope that it reaches the local groups, especially the women and children who are most affected, as soon as possible. Up to now there are more than a million people displaced, most have lost everything, including their loved ones. Fisherfolks, for example, have lost their livelihood and boats and equipments have been massively destroyed. Those fortunate enough to be alive, mostly women and children and poor people are left with shattered homes, with only their clothes. It is impossible to resume work and funds are scarce. In times like this, food and financial assistance is very much needed to support their families so that these survivors can carry on with their lives. We know that there are other commendable efforts by various organisations and individuals that should be supported such as the efforts of La Via Campesina, the global peasant organization. However the devastation brought about by this tragedy was so tremendous that we feel whatever contribution, no matter how big or small will go a long way to help the survivors pick up their lives again. In view of all this, we are appealing to you for your kind donation or contribution in form of cash or kind to help in the relief and rehabilitation of the livelihood of the survivors. Please find attached the needs of the local groups and information regarding bank account details where you can make your contribution. If possible, it is most appreciated that your contributions be made immediately as the survivors are in dire need of all the assistance they can have at this moment. However, in case you are unable to transfer funds directly to the groups, please send your contributions to PAN AP, which is based in Penang, Malaysia. Address to: ACCOUNT NAME: PESTICIDE ACTION NETWORK ASIA BHD ACCOUNT NO. : 0714-0003046-05-4 BANK NAME : BUMIPUTRA-COMMERCE BANK BHD BANK ADDRESS : JALAN MAHSURI BRANCH NO. 32, JALAN MAHSURI BAYAN BARU, 11950 PENANG MALAYSIA SWIFTCODE : BCBMMYKL Also, kindly send a note to us regarding the amount and the group to whom you are dedicating your contribution to. Thank you and in solidarity with the Tsunami survivors, Sarojeni V Rengam Executive Director Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific