Canadian Tamil Community Donates for Haiti Disaster Relief
“It was a quick and spontaneous decision to generate the funds and the Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce pioneered the efforts to organize the event in double quick time to speed up the collection of funds. Telephone calls, emails and Media publicity through the electronic media helped to pour in the responses from the Tamil community”, The Monsoon Journal reports.
Full Report as follows:
By Siva Sivapragasam
In a strong signal that the Canadian Tamil community is ever willing to assist disaster stricken people all over the world, twelve thousand dollars were raised within a five hour donating event for Haiti Disaster Relief on Sunday held at the Karaikudi Restaurant in Scarborough. The donations were made for relief efforts in Haiti where it is estimated that over 200,000 have perished due to an earthquake.
The funds collected will be channeled through Global Medic, an international organization of repute and recognition for medical assistance and healthcare services.
The Sri Lankan Tamil Doctors’ and Dentists’ Association, namely (CMDDA) Canadian Medical and Dental Development Association, made a substantial donation of $ 3,000. The cheque was presented by it’s President Dr. V. Shanthakumar. Associated with him at the event was CMDDA’s Vice Chairperson Dr. Rajeswari Logan.
It was a quick and spontaneous decision to generate the funds and the Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce pioneered the efforts to organize the event in double quick time to speed up the collection of funds. Telephone calls, emails and Media publicity through the electronic media helped to pour in the responses from the Tamil community.
It is estimated that more than 200,000 have died in the disastrous earthquake that has plunged this already poverty stricken nation to face a gigantic humanitarian crisis. Thousands are homeless living in streets and make-shift camps. The dead are left lying on the streets while the injured are anguishing in pain. People are displaced and dispossessed. Thirst hungry women and children are roaming the streets in search of water. Haiti’s humanitarian crisis keeps growing.
The world is responding. Two former Presidents of U.S., Bill Clinton and George Bush have personally thrown themselves into relief efforts. Millions of donations are pouring in but more millions are needed. This is where the efforts of the Canadian Tamil community to do their best have been well appreciated by other mainstream communities. As someone at the event remarked “Giving and Receiving” is a two-way process. Our community back-home received in times of our disasters and now it is our turn to give when the need arises.”
Donations are still being accepted and you may contact, Dhimo Sornalingam, dhimo.s@gmail.com, Ken Kirupa, kenkirupa@gmail.com or Logan Velumailum, vlogan599@yahoo.com for more details.
