The Australian community has been overwhelmed by the images of destruction in the Asia- Pacific region. The Reverend Tara Curlewis, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia said, “Times such as these bring us closer together recognising our fragile humanity and moving us to work and pray for the well being of our neighbours in Asia and the Pacific. It is good to know that through Act for Peace the churches and the Australian community are able to respond in practical ways making a real difference to those in most need.”
Alistair Gee, Executive Director of Act for Peace said, “Over the past few days our regional brothers and sisters have experienced disaster of horrific proportions. We have an obligation to offer our assistance”.
The Philippines has been devastated by a typhoon which has affected 1.9 million people and left more than 450 000 people homeless. A second typhoon is approaching and is likely to wreak further destruction.
The Samoan islands and Tonga have been struck by a tsunami after an 8.3-magnitude earthquake, which has killed hundreds of people, flattened villages and left thousands homeless.
The island of Sumatra in Indonesia has been devastated by an earthquake killing more than a thousand people with many more remain buried in rubble. The death toll will rise.
Act for Peace is working with local partners to provide emergency assistance such as shelter, clean drinking water, medicines and food and then with longer-term assistance such as helping to restore livelihoods, schools and health clinics.
Mr Gee said, “The scale of the devastation to homes, livelihoods and community infrastructure demands a wide-scale relief effort. The role of the churches in supporting communities and this recovery effort is substantial and Act for Peace needs generous support from the Australian public to help families rebuild their lives and livelihoods.”
Act for Peace is now accepting gifts for the Philippines Flood Appeal, Pacific Tsunami Appeal and Indonesia Earthquake Appeal. These emergencies are immense and we must make a long-term commitment to our partners to ensure they can rebuild.
You can give to these urgent appeals by:
- Calling us toll free on 1800 025 101
- Mailing a cheque or money order (with the relevant appeal indicated) to Act for Peace – NCCA, Locked Bag 199, Sydney NSW 1230
- Giving securely online Click Here (www.actforpeace.org.au/givenow)
Act for Peace has been working with partners in the Asia-Pacific region for over twenty years. With partners in the Tonga, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, West Papua, Indonesia and the Philippines, Act for Peace seeks to equip these communities with the tools they need to manage disasters.
For further comment call Alistair Gee, Executive Director of Act for Peace: 0417 672 650.
