World Disaster Help News and Events Blog

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2008-06-14T19:36:00.001-07:00

Media Man Australia Profiles

Disasters

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Media Man Australia - Disasters and Survivors

2007-05-16T03:21:00.000-07:00

Disaster Resources and Environment News

2007-04-26T02:25:00.000-07:00

Media Man Australia Profiles

Disasters

Environmentalists and the environment

Best Regards
Greg Tingle
Director
Media Man Australia
e: greg@mediaman.com.au
w: www.mediaman.com.au

Media Man Australia Disaster Directory Updated

2007-04-06T23:02:00.000-07:00

The Media Man Australia Disaster profile directory has been updated.
Best Regards
Greg Tingle
Director
Media Man Australia

Scotland - Australian - Baghdad Connection

2006-05-23T03:48:00.000-07:00

Keep up the great work. All the best from "down under".

Greg "Disaster" Tingle
Media Director
World Disaster Help

golf : Caledonian Charity Challenge from St Andrews and Carnoustie

2005-10-17T04:08:00.000-07:00

St Andrews Golf Vacations Ltd, Affiliates and Sponsors would proudly like to officially announce the Launch of Scotland's Newest Golf Event and Vacation all in one :
'The Caledonian Charity Challenge' Sponsored by Dollar Thrifty UK Car Rental being held June 2006 over some of Scotland's Finest Golf Courses including St Andrews, Carnoustie, Gleneagles and Scotscraig and More ... with Daily Prizes to be won

Carnoustie Championship Golf Links has been chosen to host Big Break IV,and is currently being aired on the Golf Channel being watched by a massive 80 Million Viewers
Carnoustie Championship Golf Links is also the venue of the 2007 British Open
Colin McLeod, Head of Golf Operations at Carnoustie 'has made Championship Golf Tourism Affordable for the visiting Tourist offering unbelievable value for money at the Worlds Toughest test of Golf by putting together Packages that make Golfing dreams come true'

Steve Cooke & Graham Murray from St Andrews Golf Vacations Ltd, thought up the idea in August 2005, on the back of a meeting with David Hayman, well known Actor and Film Director and Director of Operations at No Nonsense Glasgow based Charity 'Spirit Aid' , who's Work spreads from Local Community Projects Helping Children, to mobile Medical Units in Afghanistan and more recently Post Tsunami Continuing to help, fund and support an Orphanage in Sri Lanka

It is hoped enough £20,000+ (about $35,000 USA) be raised and donated to Spirit Aid to help Fight Poverty and Starvation in Africa during this event. David Hayman will be in Africa in the near future and Investigating what work can be done from the money in light of the Starvation and Poverty that is starting to be reported in some regions of the continent

A truly International event already with a Pakistan Resident Golf professional, a sales and marketing team at the American home of golf, North Caralina, and further sales and marketing units based in Asia and Australasia , and web support from MDM Solutions UK

Over the past 18 Months Steve & Graham have developed www.scotlandgolftouring.com ,getting it to the top of the search engines on limited resources and funds employing a webmaster from California, Richard Steward from co-opwebhosting ,have over the months got one of the most Powerful Golf Tourism websites in Scotland, hoping to entice entrants Worldwide

The whole week is Structured as though the Players are Professional Golfers with a lot being done for them off the Course, Spouse are even invited along, the only difference being the AFFORDABLE pricing of the Event, and incredible attention to detail

Steve Cooke MD of the Company also founder and Manager of the World Famous 'Barbers Pole' in St Andrews which has just celebrated 10 years in Business
Earlier this year in January 2005, Steve Travelled to Sri Lanka and helped several People get back on their feet
On his return, prominent Solicitors in St Andrews Rollo Davidson and Mcfarlane offered to Sponsor Steve to start his own Charity, which was supported by St Andrews Merchants Association where he has sat for an executive for 10 years.

Steve made a decision to add about a Dollar (60 Pence) onto each Haircut Supporting 3 different Charities, explaining ' A little bit and often goes a long way, over £1000 being Raised per month directly from the Home of Golf St Andrews'
'In the past month alone we have helped Starving in Malawi, and got 7 Tsunami Affected Widows back to work' Steve says,
'I'm sure there must be other Barbers, Hairdressers, and small Businesses Worldwide who could adopt this?
The fantastic thing is the money goes DIRECTLY where its supposed to and not down some Black Hole'

Clients enjoy a Free Nip of Whisky with every Haircut, which is very popular with Visiting Tourists, Locals and Students !

Media and Press Please Contact

Steve Cooke - Managing Director
St Andrews Golf Vacations Ltd SC286883
134 South Street
St Andrews
Fife. KY15 7BA
Scotland

Telephone : +44 1337 858888
Email : contact@scotlandgolftouring.com

www.caledoniancharitychallenge.com An Event and Golf Vacations all in One !!
www.scotlandgolftouring.com Affordable Golf Vacations direct from St Andrews

www.cybersnips.com Barbers Pole St Andrews 'Each Haircut helps fight poverty and suffering'

www.worlddisasterhelp.org Fundraising arm of the Barbers Pole
www.spiritaid.org.uk A charity with Integrity

Barbers Pole have raised £3642 0r $6,708.17 USA Raised since 8th June 2005

2005-09-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

Been away in North Carolina for a few days visiting my friend Henry the Hobbit Golfer and his wonderful wife Jodi, sorting some biz out, and some more Charity fundraising events for 2006 (more to be revealed soon)
Met David Hayman yesterday, and issued a cheque to Spirit Aid for £800

£321 and £276 to add to the running totals for the past 2 weeks I've not been able to report

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ............. Thanks to the wonderful ladies of the Barbers Pole (and Customers)

The Barbers Pole St Andrews is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£3642 0r $6,708.17 USA Raised since 8th June 2005

80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of the Barbers Pole St Andrews Scotland

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between worthy charities

World Disaster Help and Samadana-M (Sri Lanka)

Malawi African Charity

Spirit Aid (Worldwide Humanitarian Aid)

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

----------------------------------

Donated money so far in 2005 :

£600 - to Malawi

£600 - to Keepers of the Green

£600 - Has been Donated to Sri Lanka and Muzza Cader - Samadana/m

£800 - Has been donated to Spirit Aid and David Hayman

PLUS .............

over 500 children helped to take year 5 exams

Several other People got back to work in Sri Lanka in early 2005

£1000 donated to Spirit Aid thanks largely to Emma Lothian from Beccles and her Deaf club friends

an extra Donation to Sri Lanka of £300 by the Barbers Pole
and a Further £250 donated By Emma to get Tsunami Widows back to work post Tsunami

----

Barbers Pole have raised - £3045 0r $5,483.83 USA Raised since 8th June 2005

2005-08-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

The Barbers Pole St Andrews is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£3045 0r $5,483.83 USA Raised since 8th June 2005

80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of the Barbers Pole St Andrews Scotland

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between worthy charities

World Disaster Help and Samadana-M (Sri Lanka)

Malawi African Charity

Spirit Aid (Worldwide Humanitarian Aid)

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

----------------------------------

Donated money so far in 2005 :

£600 - has already gone to Malawi

£600 - Has been donated to Keepers of the Green

£600 - Has been Donated to Sri Lanka and Muzza Cader - Samadana/m

PLUS .............

over 500 children helped to take year 5 exams
Several People got back to work in Sri Lanka
£1000 donated to Spirit Aid thanks largely to Emma Lothian from Beccles and her Deaf club friends
an extra Donation to Sri Lanka of £300 by the Barbers Pole
and a Further £250 donated By Emma to get Tsunami Widows back to work post Tsunami

----

Barbers Pole have raised - £2717 0r $4,930.81 USD Raised since 8th June 2005

2005-08-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Barbers Pole St Andrews is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£2717 0r $4,930.81 USD Raised since 8th June 2005

80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of the Barbers Pole St Andrews Scotland

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between worthy charities

World Disaster Help and Samadana-M (Sri Lanka)

Malawi African Charity

Spirit Aid (Worldwide Humanitarian Aid)

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

----------------------------------

Donated money so far in 2005 :

£600 - has already gone to Malawi

£600 - Has been donated to Keepers of the Green

£600 - Has been Donated to Sri Lanka and Muzza Cader - Samadana/m

PLUS .............

over 500 children helped to take year 5 exams
Several People got back to work in Sri Lanka
£1000 donated to Spirit Aid thanks largely to Emma Lothian from Beccles and her Deaf club friends
an extra Donation to Sri Lanka of £300 by the Barbers Pole
and a Further £250 donated By Emma to get Tsunami Widows back to work

----

Barbers Pole Customers have Raised £2432 0r $4,327.52 USD Raised since 8th June 2005

2005-08-07T02:15:00.000-07:00

The Barbers Pole St Andrews is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£2432 0r $4,327.52 USD Raised since 8th June 2005

80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of the Barbers Pole St Andrews Scotland

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between worthy charities

World Disaster Help and Samadana-M (Sri Lanka)

Malawi African Charity

Spirit Aid (Worldwide Humanitarian Aid)

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

Donated money so far in 2005 :

£600 - has already gone to Malawi

£600 - Has been donated to Keepers of the Green

£600 - Has been Donated to Sri Lanka and Muzza Cader - Samadana/m

----

£1800 from the above total has gone to where it is needed

£2273 0r $4,039.70 USD Raised since 8th June 2005 from the Barbers Pole St Andrews

2005-08-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

The Barbers Pole St Andrews is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£2273 0r $4,039.70 USD Raised since 8th June 2005

80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of theBarbers Pole St Andrews Scotland

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between 4 charities

Keepers of the Green (St Andrews Scotland)
World Disaster Help and Samadana-M (Sri Lanka)
Malawi African Charity
Spirit Aid (Worldwide Humanitarian Aid)

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

£1996.00 0r $3,507.13 USD Raised since 8th June 2005 going to Good Causes at Home and Abroad - The Barbers Pole Helping Fight Poverty

2005-07-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

The Barbers Pole St Andrews is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£1996.00 0r $3,507.13 USD Raised since 8th June 2005

80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of theBarbers Pole St Andrews Scotland

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between 4 charities

Keepers of the Green (St Andrews Scotland)
World Disaster Help and Samadana-M (Sri Lanka)
Malawi African Charity
Spirit Aid (Worldwide Humanitarian Aid)

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

WORLDWIDE REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE JULY 24th 2005 - LETS GET THESE PEOPLE SOME HELP ??

2005-07-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

LIVELIHOOD PROJECT – BASIC INFORMATION

REQUEST FOR ASSISTANT

1 - KRISHNAPILLA KUNAMATHI - Poultry Project

Krishnapilla Kunamathi is a female of 22 years residing at Weaving Centre Fourth Road in Akkarapattu-07. She is not married and has an elder sister. Her father K. Krishnapillai had died long before the tsunami. Her mother, K. Thavarasi born on April 18th in the year 1951 survived with her left leg being broken. Kunamathi survived with forehead and knee injuries.

The house in which they lived was completely destroyed causing a total loss of house and property to the worth of around 4300 US Dollars. They also lost jewelries and clothes worth around 150 US Dollars.

This is what she said to us:

“I lived in my native house with my 55 years old sick mother when the tsunami waves destroyed house completely. We were left with nothing to live. My mother is now living in a camp with my elder sister.
I can not live in the camp due to various problems that arise within the camps, specially concerning young women. I am only 22 years of age. At present I am living with my relatives.

Nature of Project and Assistance seeking for

She has sufficient skills on poultry farming but does not have the capital fund to start this project. She is also able to do sewing and also has the necessary skills.

She is looking for about 250 US Dollars to start this project.

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2- ANNANTHARAJA RAJITHA – Bakery Project

Annantharaja RAJITHA, a female of 20 years living in Thampaddai in Akkarapattu, is a member of family of four. She is not married. She has a sister of 18 years. Her father, Anantharaja, aged 48 is living but her mother Mahalakshmi, was killed by the tsunami waves at the age of 41 years. Her father, her sister and herself were badly injured by tsunami. The whole family underwent a long period of troma due the loss of Mahalakshmi and the shock they faced. Her father’s hands and thigh were injured and her sister Vinoja has been effected mentally due to the loss of her mother. Rajitha herself were injured all over the body. Being a social worker, Rajitha was able give the courageous support to the family during the time of the disaster.

The family completely lost two of their houses worth 10,000 US Dollars and the bakery with all the equipment valued at 2500 US Dollars was washed away. They also lost jewelry worth around 450 US Dollars.

This is what she said to us:

“I am 20 years old and lost 7 members of my immediate family members including my mother. They are my cousins and in laws. I do not have a place to live now and therefore have been forced to live with my aunt. My sister is still schooling and next year she will be sitting for the G.C.E. ( Advanced Level) [ the university entrance exams ] next year. My father has taken up to alcohol as he could not bear the loss of his partner. I have been forced to take up the responsibility of the future of my sister.

Nature of Project and Assistance seeking for

She had been running a bakery with the support of his cousin. This cousin of his also lost his mother and sister. He lives is a very helpless and desperate condition. In order to re-start the bakery they need at least 1000 US dollars.

They have managed to raise 500 US Dollars. If someone is prepared to bridge the gap then the bakery could be started and a life support be given.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. SELVARAJA MENAKA - Mobile Business or Sewing Project

Selvaraja MENAKA of Batian Road , Akkarapattu, is a unmarried female. She is a member of a family of five. Her father Selvaraja is aged 50 years and mother Sarasvathi also of the same age. She has a sister by the name of Roomiya and is 15 year of age and is schooling. No one of her family died but her father and mother suffered very badly injuries..

The house in which they lived was living was destroyed by the tsunami tidal waves and all of her household belongings were stolen by thieves. The family owned a push bicycle this too was taken away by the sea. The house was valued at 5000 US Dollars

This is what she said to us:

“ We are a daily wage earning family. My father is the only bread winner and he works as a cooli ( labourer ) Unfortunately he cannot do this work now as he is injured..

Nature of Project and Assistance seeking for

The family hopes to engage in a mobile business using a push bicycle. The assistance sort is a push cycle that would cost around 80 US Dollars and cash to the value to 150 US dollars as capital for the business.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 - KANAPATHIPILLAI KAMALADEVI – Micro business Project

Kanapathipillai Kamaladevi living along the Central Road in Karathivu is a unmarried female of 32 years. She is a member of a family of four. Her father Kanapathi is aged 72 years and mother Kannamani is 61 years. She has a sister of 25 years called Sasikala. Non of the family member died but all were very badly injured. Her fatheres leg and shoulder were injured and is now unmovable. Her mother suffered leg injuries, while her sister and herself suffered injuries in the arm.

What they have lost is the house, a push bicycle, money and household goods to the value of 500 US dollars. .

This is what she said to us:

“ We had been living with my sick mother in our native house until the tsunami destroyed it. Now my father, mother and sister are living in a refugees camp. My father is a difficult person. Due to various problem that occur within the camp a unmarried women of 32 years find it difficult to live there. As such I am now living in the house of a relative.”

Nature of Project and Assistance seeking for

She wants to start a micro business along with sewing. The assistance sort is 300 US Dollars to meet these expenses.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. ARUMUGAM CHITRA DEVI – Mirco Business and sewing Project

Arumugam CHITRADEVI, a female and a member of a family of four lives in Thampiya Road in Karathivu. She is married and is living with her husband. Her father, Arumugam is 78 years old and her mother Sithapillai is 67 years old. All of them were injured by the tsunami but no loss of live.

There house that was valued around 4000 US Dollars and Jewelry value around 400 Dollars were lost.

This is what she said to us:

“ My parents, my husband and me are living in one small zink hut in the camp. The space is not enough to live for even two person. We are a married couple and still have no children and do not have any privacy. This is causing us great difficulty in leading a family life with a lot of mental agony.

Nature of Project and Assistance seeking for

Want to start a micro business along with sewing and needs 300 US dollars.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. ARULAMPALAM SUYANTHI - Micro Business Project

Living is Karathivu SUYANTHI is a member of a family of three and a unmarried women. Her father Arulampalam is 75 years and her mother Sarasvathi is 47 years. All of them sustained serious injuries by the tsunami. Her mothers shoulder and the leg has been broken and Suyanthi’s hand broken.

There house was destroyed causing a loss of 5000 US Dollars and the loss of jewelry around 500 US dollars.

This is what she said to us:

“ We are now living in a camp in a small structure. This is not a place suitable for me to stay. All cultural values and the family structure is being destroyed here. There are many incidents happening against women and children within the camp and there is no security. I like move out of this camp as soon as possible, if I can do some self-employment to support ourselves.

Nature of Project and Assistance seeking for

Want to start a micro business along with sewing and needs 400 US dollars

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7. MOHAMED FALEE RASITHA- Poultry Farm Project.

Mohamed Faleel RASITHA is a unmarried women of 30 years. She lives with her parents and brothers and sisters in Mustafa Puram in Ninthavur. In total there are six members in their family including herself. Her father Faleel, is 56 years old and her mother Subaitha is 52 years. She has two brothers aged 32 years and 23 years and one sister aged 25 years. No one in their family died but her32 years old brother Mawjood and her mother suffered severe injuries. Her brothers arm and leg has been broken and is not able to move while her mother suffered severe head injuries. The family house was completely destroyed causing a loss around 6000 US Dollars. Further they lost all the jewelry and a motorcycle value at 1400 US Dollars.
This is what she said to us:

“ Our house is located 220 meters away from the sea. The tidal waves came inland upto 350 meters at one uniform speed and then it spread to another 400 meters. My sister and myself were at my uncle’s house and my father gone to the paddy field when the waves came in. One of my brother had gone out somewhere. It was only my mother and my elder brother who were in the house. They could not do anything other than to run for their life. While they ran, they fell down and sustained the injuries. Some of the household goods were washed away by the sea while the rest were stolen by thieves.

Nature of Project and Assistance seeking for

She has good knowledge and experience in poultry farming. One of her cousin sister has offered a piece of land to start the poultry farm industry. She needs 400 US Dollars to start this poultry project.

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8. M. SUHASINI – Sewing Project

SUHASINI is a member of a family of three. She is a female of 24 years and not married. Both her parents are living and sustained leg and arm injuries by the tsunami tidal waves.

They suffered a property loss around 8000 US Dollars and jewelry around 1000 US dollars.

This is what she said to us:

“ I am the last one in my family. When the tsunami tidal waves stuck I was in my uncle’s hjouse. His house is very closed to the sea ( around 50 meters) . I was washed to the sea and was fighting in the water for about 5 minutes until someone came and saved my life. Immediately I was taken to the hospital. I was sent home after 24 hours but there was no home. I searched for my father and mother and later came to know they were in the camp. When I went there I saw him lying on the ground with a broken hand and my mother was crying. I was earning some living by sewing and now I found that the sewing machine and my jewelries lost.

Nature of Project and Assistance seeking for

She wants to re-start her sewing and tailoring business. She seeks 250 US Dollars to purchase a sewing machine and raw materials.

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9. YOUSUF LEBBE FALEELA - Poultry Farm Project

Yousuf Lebbe FALEELA lives alone with her sick mother, Saviruumma who is 64 years old. Her father had died long ago. Her family had been supported by an uncle who also lost his life due to tsunami. Faleela is not married. Bother her mother and she suffered severe injuries on their arm and leg.

The losses caused to the house and other properties is around 8000 US Dollars and Jewelry worth around 1250 US Dollars.

This is what she said to us:

“ My house is situated 300 meters away from the sea. Along with my mother and me an uncle of mine was staying with us and supporting. By the tidal was his life was lost. Now I am staying with my sick mother who is very feeble. She is also now mentally unbalanced. The is no way to support our lives. When the waves came in, I ran out of my house carrying my mother. My sewing machine and 67 hens that were in the poultry were taken by someone.

Nature of Project and Assistance seeking for

She is well experienced in poultry farming and tailoring. She is expecting US Dollars 250 to start her income generation project.

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SPIRIT AID - A Celebration of Human Spirit

2005-07-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

A Celebration of Human Spirit

MISSION STATEMENT

Spirit Aid is a Glasgow based Humanitarian Relief Organisation dedicated to the Children of the Earth whose lives have been devastated by war, genocide, abuse, poverty, and lack of opportunity, at home and abroad.

Every 2 seconds, somewhere in the world, a child dies of hunger.
Our mission simple
To raise Humanitarian Relief funding for Children, through events and campaigns- press, media, communities and schools. All related to specific projects at home and abroad.

*In 2002 we made two trips to Kosovo in partnership with ‘Glasgow the Caring City’. We took teams of firemen, nurses and builders. We helped refurbish 2 primary schools and a community house. Took aid into Plemintina refugee camp and medical supplies and treatment to the orphanages.

* In November of 2001 we funded the digging of a well in Guinea Bissau, West Africa, to provide a township of 45,000 people with fresh drinking water for the first time. We also built an irrigation system to sustain the crop fields.

*In 2003/4 through our ‘Children of the Rubble’ Appeal we raised money to take medical teams into the area of Baglan Province in Northeast Afghanistan. It is an area of 500,000 people who have no access to medical services, limited educational opportunities and a life span of 43 years. David Hayman our Head of Operations has made three trips to Baglan to assemble and manage the medical teams who examined and treated over 20,000 people. In October of 2004 we established the first ‘mobile clinic’ in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Baglan. It is now in constant demand and the medical staff treat hundreds of patients, mainly women and children, every week.

*In March of 2005 we headed for Hikkadua in southwest Sri Lanka to work with the tsunami victims. We built 5 fishing boats at a cost of £2,250 each. Each boat provides for 15 families, approx 100-150 people. We adopted an orphanage that we are developing by establishing a farm, a carpentry workshop, and a metal workshop to train the orphans in basic skills and we are expanding the orphanage by building a girls dormitory.
We subsidised 100 acres of rice and 100 acres of vegetables, we kick started over a dozen small businesses and on a daily basis, delivered immediate humanitarian relief, in the form of rice, cooking pots, mosquito nets, bedding, medicines and toiletries, to communities of people in desperate need. In July of 2005 a team of 5 Spirit Aid members headed back to Hikkadua to spend a month working with children and young people in the displaced peoples camps and orphanages. On August 7 another team of 6 head for Sri Lanka with £10,000 to spend on humanitarian aid.

*‘Shooters’ is our filmmaking arm that exists to produce films and videos with vulnerable young people in Scotland, including asylum seekers and refugees. We put the young people through a 3-month introduction to all aspects of media including camera, sound, editing, acting, scriptwriting and music. So far we have made 10 films with a total of over 50 youngsters. We are actively engaged in providing ‘follow through advice and support’ for any young person who wishes to further their involvement in the media industry.

* Every Christmas we deliver hundreds of hampers full of gifts, toys, sweets and clothes to really vulnerable families through our Children’s Christmas Hamper Appeal. Last year we managed to deliver, on Christmas Eve, to 400 people who normally would not have had a Christmas. This year we hope to reach many more.

Our aid partners are Aid International, Halo Trust and World Disaster Help

Liz Cameron, Lord Provost of Glasgow is Spirit Aid’s Patron

We are supported by :

Caledonian University
Stowe College
La Plante Productions
Paisley University
BAFTA Scotland
NUJ
Glasgow City Council
The Lord Provosts Office
S.T.U.C and Hannay Recycling support Spirit Aid.

Our Directors include :

Bill Spiers, Gen. Sec STUC and John Ferguson, Chair, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.

£1811.00 0r $3,149.89 USD Raised since 8th June 2005 Raised since 8th June 2005 at the Barbers Pole St Andrews

2005-07-24T02:22:00.000-07:00

The Barbers Pole St Andrews is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£1811.00 0r $3,149.89 USD Raised since 8th June 2005

80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of theBarbers Pole St Andrews Scotland

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between 4 charities

Keepers of the Green (St Andrews Scotland)
World Disaster Help and Samadana-M (Sri Lanka)
Malawi African Charity
Spirit Aid (Worldwide Humanitarian Aid)

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

£1638.00 0r $2,853.57 USD Raised since 8th June 2005 Raised since 8th June 2005 at the Barbers Pole St Andrews

2005-07-20T01:34:00.000-07:00

The Barbers Pole St Andrews is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£1638.00 0r $2,853.57 USD Raised since 8th June 2005

80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of theBarbers Pole St Andrews Scotland

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between 4 charities

Keepers of the Green (St Andrews Scotland)
World Disaster Help and Samadana-M (Sri Lanka)
Malawi African Charity
Spirit Aid (Worldwide Humanitarian Aid)

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

£1543.00 0r $2,704.57 USD Raised since 8th June 2005 Raised since 8th June 2005 at the Barbers Pole St Andrews

2005-07-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

The Barbers Pole St Andrews is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£1543.00 0r $2,704.57 USD Raised since 8th June 2005

80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of theBarbers Pole St Andrews Scotland

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between 4 charities

Keepers of the Green (St Andrews Scotland)
World Disaster Help and Samadana-M (Sri Lanka)
Malawi African Charity
Spirit Aid (Worldwide Humanitarian Aid)

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

£1226.00 0r $2,130.47 USD Raised since 8th June 2005 at the Barbers Pole St Andrews

2005-07-10T01:15:00.000-07:00

The Barbers Pole St Andrews is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£1226.00 0r $2,130.47 USD Raised since 8th June 2005

80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of theBarbers Pole St Andrews Scotland

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between 4 charities

Keepers of the Green (St Andrews Scotland)
World Disaster Help and Samadana-M (Sri Lanka)
Malawi African Charity
Spirit Aid (Worldwide Humanitarian Aid)

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

£1117.00 0r $1,947.32 USD Raised in a month at the Barbers Pole St Andrews

2005-07-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Barbers Pole St Andrews is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£1117.00 0r $1,947.32 USD Raised in a month
80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of theBarbers Pole St Andrews Scotland

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between 4 charities

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

£1009.00 0r $1,772.97 USD Raised in nearly a month at the Barbers Pole St Andrews

2005-07-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

The Barbers Pole St Andrews is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£1009.00 0r $1,772.97 USD Raised in nearly a month
80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of the Barbers Pole

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between 4 charities

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

Barbers Pole St Andrews Daily report on Charity Donations per Haircut - running total - £908 0r $1,604.85 USD in less than a month Raised

2005-07-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

The Barbers Pole is doing its bit to help fight Poverty and Hardship

£908 0r $1,604.85 USD Raised in little over 3 weeks
80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of the Barbers Pole

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

Split between 4 charities

HELPING MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
www.makepovertyhistory.org
www.worlddisasterhelp.org

Barbers Pole St Andrews Daily report on Charity Donations per Haircut - running total £845.60 0r $1,496.95 USD

2005-07-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

£845.60 0r $1,496.95 USD Raised in little over 3 weeks
80p a Haircut going to charity and donations by the the Customers of the Barbers Pole

Split between 4 charities

Barbers Pole St Andrews Daily report on Charity Donations per Haircut - running total - £ 784.80 0r $ 1,398.75 USD after 3 weeks !!!

2005-06-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

BARBERS POLE - ST ANDREWS - CHARITY INCENTIVE

In February 2005, Rollo Davidson and Mcfarlane, St Andrews Solicitors, Sponsored Steve Cooke Manager of The Barbers Pole and St Andrews Golf Vacations Ltd to Start a Charity, which is Currently (in slow time) being registered

2 weeks after the Tsunami Struck on 26th December 2004 Steve travelled out to Kalmunai (Tamil area)in East Sri Lanka and got some fantastic support from several Home of Golf Businesses

This is one of Several Methods being Created by Steve Cooke and Alasdair Busby, Directors of the Steering Group, and Fundraing in Scotland and the UK

Emma Lothian a remarkable lady from Beccles is also a fundraising Director, is Deaf, and Travelled out to Sri Lanka with Steve, and has been Involved with Charity, and the Deaf in Africa,has raised Thousands of Pounds for good Causes

From each Haircut ..... 80p ( a USA Dollar and a bit going directly to charity)
Other donations from Customers of the Barbers Pole are added to these totals

STARTED 8th June 2005

8th -11th June Week Total : £151.20 - 4 days

13th - 18th June week total : £221.80 - 6 Days

20th - 25rd June week Total - £246.80 - 6 Days

27th - 30th June RUNNING TOTAL £165.00 - 4 Days

running total - £ 784.80 0r $ 1,398.75 USD

Coversion used xe.com Universal Currency Converter ®

THIS TOTAL IS SPLIT 4 WAYS BETWEEN THESE CHARITIES

World Disaster Help : Helping people of Sri Lanka, Hundreds of Children taking exams, people getting back to Work, and other many many more Incentives

Spirit Aid : David Hayman, Actor and Film Director Glasgow based, helping all over the world, please visit the website and see what CAN be done

Keepers of The Green : Powered Wheelchairs for Local Residents

Malawi Charity : Helping the starving of Africa

THE BARBERS POLE, AND THE PEOPLE OF ST. ANDREWS HELPING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

DO YOU KNOW A HAIRDRESSERS OR BARBERS WHO WOULD WANT TO ADOPT THIS IDEA?
LOCALLY OR INTERNATIONALLY? WE WILL TRAVEL AND HELP SET IT UP IF VIABLE.

This is the 4 Charity Model 80p from each cut going to Charity

we can show 3 Benefitting Charities at 60p
or
Even 2 Charities at 40p Per cut being donated

Barbers, Hairdressers?
Donate per Haircut to suit what you can afford, little bit and often goes a long way

please email steve@scotlandgolftouring.com if you want more details

This idea was dreamt up By Alasdair Busby and Steve Cooke one Rainy day in Early June 2005 at the home of Golf St Andrews

Internet and International World Disaster Help Media - Greg Tingle Media Man of Austalia and World Disaster Help Australia

Website Sponsored, co-developed by Richard Steward Co-op webhosting California USA

World Disaster Help Asia Moderator - Muhammed Muzzammil Cader from Sri Lanka is also moderator of SAMADANA/M, and continues to help with the never ending Tsunami recovery work

Norma Owen - www.normaowen.com - North Carolina USA
Henry Lister - www.Golfholes.com - North Carolina USA
Byron Casper (Heritage Golf & son of Golf Legend Billy Casper)
Kevin Lovegrove - Bahrain Petroleum Company - Bahrain in the Middle East
Michaela foster Marsh - Based currently in Canada, Singer with the Voice of an Angel
Nick Oswald - Legends of Sports, and Rugby Expert, based in Perthshire Scotland
Janet Waldren - From East Yorkshire
Susan Morrison - Researcher & Record Adjudicator - Guinness World Records
Debs/ Debbie - from Wales who will be helping input data in the site when ready
Paul Coffey - Glasgow Scotland World Record Golf
Paul Cundell - Worlddisasterhelp.org
Many thanks for your Continued Support and Work to helping fight Poverty and Hardship

Finally, not a lot of this would have happend had it not been for Arlene Cooke (wife of Steve) , ideas are only ideas unless you do something about them (Quote Henry Lister NC USA 2004 )She gave Steve the backing under the most extreme of pressure at times, and a test on any relationship

To read more world disaster help stories please go to
http://worlddisasterhelpnewsblog.blogspot.com/

Not forgetting the staff of the Barbers Pole :Joanne Malley (Manager) Christina Innes, Marie Johnston, and Allison
Without them - this wouldn't be happening 6 days a week

Regards
Steve Cooke

'River City' Cast nite.. Monday 13th June

2005-06-19T02:25:00.000-07:00

The event was arranged by Joyce Falconer best known as 'Roisin' from the Scottish soap opera River City, also with Rony Bridges (Entertainment Manager of Oran Mor) to raise funds for 'Spirit Aid' donation to the Sri Lanka's orphanage.

I flew from Stansted airport, arriving Glasgow at 5.15pm. Got a cab direct to Oran Mor, arrived at 6pm.

Helped to set up the raffle display & tables..

At 7.30pm started selling raffle tickets with another volunteer Lois, it was busy evening as havent stopped running about!
Then spotted Steve Cooke who came all the way from Fife, was pleased to see him & managed a couple of mintues chat, told him where the table was etc.

Carried on selling raffle tickets, didnt see much of the show as was behind the wall most of the time, guarding the prizes etc!

Steve showed me the cheque and I thought WOW its a big cheque, felt proud of us at WDH to give Spirit Aid some support.
The next thing I was dragged off to the stage, but before I did, I went to let Steve know as didnt want him to miss out, but it all happened so fast, I didnt get a chance to say something which was a bit disappointing, also I wanted Steve to come up on the stage to say something too & for me to sign, but it didnt happen, felt that it was all rushed!

The evening raffle total was approx £308.95 the total amount for the evening raised was £4000.
The Cast from River City was great but like I said I didnt see much of the show!

Went home early morning arrived back at Stansted, it seems all fast happening to me!!
Have plans to have London event later in the year to raise funds for WDH.

(Pics to follow, as havent got the hang of posting it on it!!)

LATEST NEWS FROM SRI LANKA - SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE - PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST THOUGHTS......YOU CAN STOP THIS - CAN'T YOU ??

2005-06-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

THE PICTURES ON THIS PAGE WERE TAKEN BY A CAMERA DONATED BY EMMA LOTHIAN OF WORLD DISASTER HELP, NOW WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION AS HUMANS TO FIX THE BITS IN THESE PICTURES THAT IS WRONG - DON'T WE?

6 MONTHS AGO Boxing Day became a Significant Day like September 11th

Muzza is our friend and Asian Moderator of World Disaster Help
and www.samadana-m.org writes to us, this should not be happening, it really shouldn't, Could somebody please contact us if you can help these poor people............ THIS STORY IS REAL ......

ONE STORM AND THESE THINGS WILL BE BLOWN AWAY AND IF THE PEOPLE ESCAPE SERIOUS INJURY THEY WILL BE VERY LUCKY, EVEN A CANVAS TENT WOULD BE MORE SECURE AND SAFER IF PITCHED RIGHT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Steve and others

I am sending you some picture to show you the status in which the effected people are living today, even after 6 months.

You see in one of the picture a person called Nilam is speaking. We interviewed him and he said, that the government is playing with their life and future.

He said:" We have been living first in canvas tents and then now in these zinc sheet shelter. This shelter was provided to us by an organisation called ERRO Lanka. You can see for your eyes how we a family of 6 could live in this 12x 14 room. All around and on top it is covered with zinc sheet. The sun always is very hot hear. Therefore, what has been done is that we are put into an oven to be baked.

We cannot blame ERRO Lanka, as if not for them we will be living under tents or nowhere. We have no privacy. We as Muslims are not used to live in houses that are build in rows. We had individual houses and right round our houses, we covered our compound with either cadjans or palm leaves or build a wall around. This is how even the Tamils lived. We are a community who are supposed to pray 5 times a day.

We find it very difficult to exercise this compulsory obligation towards God. Where is our life leading too. Without our knowledge our culture is been transformed into something else." He further said. " The government is least interested. They are still discussing about the land issue and the buffer zone policy. They have failed to find us alternative land. If they would give us the land and the money we will build our houses. They speak about the buffer zone and about a law that had existed for several years.

They could have implemented this when the law was passed. They failed then and now they trying to implement when we are in a helpless situation. The government is playing a hypocrisy role. They are allowing tourist guest houses and hotels to be rebuilt within the buffer zones but not our houses. As if they are very worried about our lives than that of those tourist.

These are cock and bull stories.

We earn our living from the seas and we need to live where we were. It is true our loved ones died. We feel sorry and sad, but then death will come to us one day or other and in one form or another. We have decided to live and face life as it comes. Tell the government not to play with our lives and our livelihood places. They want to bring in the tourist to earn money but are not realising how much it is going to cost as damages to our environment, culture and our lifestyle."

" We have no alternative, other than to take our children and women and get to the road and march down to the administrative office and speak out our needs. I doubt even then if they would realise."

So you see, the contradiction between the people and the government. Good for a discussion

With Regards,
Muzza

Barbers Pole St Andrews Daily report on Charity Donations - 60p a Haircut going to Charity (a Dollar !) Do you know a Hairdresser who can do this ???

2005-06-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

Each haircut in the Barbers Pole St Andrews 60p is going Directly to Charity

£33.60 was raised 8th June 2005,
£33.00 was raised 9th June 2005
£33.60 was raised 10th June 2005

Currently standing at : £100.20 AFTER 3 DAYS

WDH : £33.40
Spirit Aid : £33.40
keepers of the green : £33.40

DO YOU KNOW A HAIRDRESSERS OR BARBERS WHO WOULD WANT TO ADOPT THIS IDEA, LOCALLY OR INTERNATIONALLY? WE WILL TRAVEL AND HELP SET IT UP IF VIABLE

email us at contact@worlddisasterhelp.org

many thanks
Steve Cooke

Martin's Quiz Nite & Car Boot sales stories...

2005-06-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

How i am involved for raising money. My name is Martin Arkell and i have been good friends with Emma Lothian for many years now. After the Tsunami disaster happened Emma wanted to raise money for the disaster fund. So on Saturday March 19th the first of many events took place. I, along with other friends of Emma's took part in a quiz night at Romford Deaf Club.On the night i was on the door taking the money, which was a fantastic experience for me as am in the process of doing my BSL 2nd Level course, and the extra practise was much needed for when i take my exam! In the end the event was attended by 20 or so people, so it was decided that we all split up into 3s, which was good for me as i don't think i would have been very good on my own!So battle commenced, and my little group got off to a good start, and after round 1 we were in the lead! By the time of the raffle interval we was joint 1st, which was great, seeing as some of the questions where really difficult indeed! After the interval we took the bull by the horns and took the lead. At the end of the quiz, much to our amazement we romped home the winners by a clear 10 points. We went up to collect out winners medal, of which i still have safely, and always reminds me of a fantastic evening.The evening raised £135 which was a fantastic amount for the number of people who attended. I would like to thank everyone who did attend, for making it such a fun night, especially my winning team mates. Also thanks Emma for inviting me and organising things. All i say is bring on the next quiz night, so hopefully i can be involved with the champions again!!Boot Sale Fund RasingAfter having so much fun at the quiz night, i wanted to do so much more for raising money. So i put my thinking cap on for ideas that i as an individual could do. I have always done car boot sales, so i thought why not do them to raise money. I have loads of junk around the house, eventually mounting up to 10 boxes worth! So for the past few weeks i have been loading up my old Vauxhall Astra, and off i go. At the time of writing this i have been to 5 boot sales, all different ones, as i think that it is best to move around and meet different people. Am so amazed as to how well each one has gone. As the saying goes 'One persons junk is another persons treasure!" This is going to be an on going thing for me and at the moment i have raised £200 with more to come hopefully. Time to go looking for more junk!
Pic to be added when I do the next car boot sale!

60/70's Muscial Event...

2005-06-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday 14th May..

After a long week of excitement, was very much looking forwards to the fund-raising event, which was The 60/70's Musical Extravaganza whose idea was by Nicki Ford & Linda Holland, to raise money for me, I was honoured & pleased that so many people from Beccles who have kindly donated so many gifts for the raffle & auction. I arrived earlier to offer a hand with the tables & chairs, Roy who did the lighting made us all a cuppa tea!
The Public Hall was free, Elvis, the Silverfox disco & the Band all offered their services free which was wonderful gesture! Cliff Cox the ex pubowner gave his time to serve drinks for the thirsty clubbers. It started at 7.30pm till 11pm, I even dressed up in 70's wearing huge blonde curly wig, purple floppy hat, purple top & bright orange trousers with platform shoes! oh yes pink sunglasses. it was so good to see old faces & for everyone to support WDH a charity that I am committed with. I am very grateful to Linda & Nicki for their hard work in making this event go well, I gave them a bouquet of flowers to thank them.
We are planning more fund raising events, 1 will include families. Total raised (will add this once I know exact amount)

Elvis on stage, singing one of his hits!

Elvis doing his impression on the girls

Elvis dancing & singing with the girls

2 Doormen on duty

Inside Beccles Public Hall

Quiz Nite on 19/3/05

2005-06-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday 19th March:

I held a charity Quiz Nite at Romford Deaf Club in Essex to raise funds for much needed school books in Sri Lanka donated by World Disaster Help.
20 People turned up so that made 5 tables in total. Loved seeing their faces when they were trying to guess the questions!
Did the Raffle with lots of prizes.
The Winners each received a medal, that was in Gold, Silver & Bronze.
Total raised was approx. £140

Affiliation to Spirit Aid

2005-06-04T04:46:00.000-07:00

News coming soon on our Affiliation with Spirit Aid

Steve Cooke, Arlene Cooke, David Hayman & The woman with 'The Voice of an Angel' Michaela Foster Marsh at the Oran Mor

The World Disaster Help Team were personally Invited as Guests of Actor and Director David Hayman, Head of Operations at Glasgow Based Spirit Aid Charity ,to a Scottish Music Bash,
'A Scottish Divas Night'
For those that don't know (which Included me, that means Female Superstar Singers !! )

David Hayman Starts the Fundraising Evening off with a Very Powerful Speech about his Experiences, a 20 Minute DVD 'Children of the Tsunami' was shown, and confirmed that Aid is STILL very slow at getting to certain Places

An Incredible amount of Talent was on Display Tonight, Steve & Arlene Cooke, and Emma Lothian were treated some amazing music !

2 River City Sweethearts

The Wonderful Michaela Foster Marsh

Joyce Falconer from River City

Horse

Some of the Legendry Alex Harvey Band

Emma Lothian, David Hayman and Arlene Cooke

DC Barclay who does an Incredible of work for Spirit Aid shares some good banter with David Hayman

A school re-union as School Pals Stewart and David meet after several years

Spooky Oran Mor - Is it us or is there a Skull in the Beard on the Bust ?

Rony Bridges and the Team deserve a Medal for the Work that goes into Events like this

Basic Objectives of World Disaster Help

2005-06-04T04:17:00.000-07:00

The Roles of World Disaster Help

1/ To have a Worldwide Banner Campaign offering to help all sorts of Misfortunes including : Aids and Illness, Temp Accommodation, Getting to Work schemes, Landmine Victims

Special Attention being paid to :
The Deaf and Disabled
Children

and getting NGO's to take digital images in Areas needing help and transmitting them worldwide over the Internet on http://www.worlddisasterhelp.org/

2/ To Start a Campaign from the Barbers Pole to Promote Direct Donations via 60p being added to the price of a Haircut (still reasonabally priced)

20p (or about 35 USA cents) Per Haircut will get split 3 ways :

20p to World Disaster Help
20p to Spirit Aid
20p to Keepers of the Green

3/ To offer a Volunteers Database (secure) in times of massive needs of Proffesional People during Disasters (examples the Tsunami and Famine in Sudan and Ethiopia etc)

4/ To make others aware the World is a very needy and deserving place away from the comfort of the western Living Room

BACK TO WORLD DISASTER HOMEPAGE

World Disaster Help Logo

2005-06-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

We are needing a Final Design for the WDH LogoWe are getting 2 more made up, but here is what we have so far !

Any Comments Appreciated

A fine array of choices, and should have more news on how we Intend to get down to a Final Logo soon
That in Turn will allow us to Market with Various awareness Campaigns with our own STAMP

BACK TO WORLD DISASTER HELP WEBSITE

SAHB GIG FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS Jun 3 2005 Sensational Alex Harvey Band

2005-06-03T04:28:00.000-07:00

SAHB GIG FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS Jun 3 2005

ROCK legends the Sensational Alex Harvey Band are to play a fund-raising show for tsunami victims in Glasgow next week.

Chris Langley - a close pal of SAHB tour boss Jimmy Smith - committed suicide soon after the disaster when he realised many of his friends and relations had been killed.

So when actor David Hayman's Spirit Aid charity asked them to stage a concert to aid Sri Lankan victims of last December's catastrophe, they put everything on hold.

The award-winning Scots band even cancelled production sessions on their upcoming live album.

And 90 per cent of funds from their Cash In Hand show at Oran Mor on June 6 will go to those who need it most Jimmy said: 'Chris was my best mate and the godfather of my son.

'We were very close, but both being tour managers we were often at opposite ends of the world from each other.

'I had a great night out with him when he visited Glasgow in November, just before SAHB set off on their sellout UK tour.

'When we came home, the tsunami hit - and soon after that I was told Chris had taken his own life.'

The fundraiser also stars the Rev D Wayne Love from Alabama 3 and Stevie Roberts from the UK Subs.

SAHB guitarist Zal Cleminson said: 'Playing in Glasgow is always a highly charged event for us - this time even more so

World Disaster Help helps Children to Prepare and Take Year 5 Scholarship Examinations

2005-04-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

Latest News - Dated 12-04-05

The Project Launched.-

World Disaster Help helps Children in preparing for exams.
Year 5 Scholarship Exam books were distributed to the students of the Periyakallar Vidyalaya in the District of Batticoloa. The Project was proposed to Samadana/m ( centre for non violent conflict resolution and conflict handling) by the Common Wealth Youth Programme of the Open University of Sri Lanka and was sponsored by WORLD DISASTER HELP with the Financial Support of Janet. The books are of urgent need to prepare the student for the year 5 scholarship exam that is due to take place in the month of May/June 2005.

The students and the teachers of the school were extremely happy and expressed their special word of thanks for World Disaster Help for financial supporting this worthy cause and for Samadana and CYP of the Open University for making the arrangements and coordinating the effort.

Road Blocks and Land Mines

2005-03-03T05:50:00.000-08:00

Road Blocks and Land Mines
By Fred Breedlove USA

1. Roadblock - Demonstrators blocked the main road in Kalmunai last week (03/10/2005) in several places to protest the lack of action by the Sri Lankan government in addressing the issue of rebuilding of houses in the east. They were also upset with NGO's taking pictures of the devastation in the area so they could use them to raise donations throughout the world, and then not use the funds to help out the effected areas. Some NGO's seem to be lining their pockets with donations, then drive up and down the coastal roads in fancy SUV's, but never seem to be helping perform actual relief to the Tsunami victums. The demonstrations finally stopped after the government promissed to start rebuilding houses in the near future. If the government does not carry through with its promise, the demonstrations are likely going to resume at a higher level. I was walking on the main road in Kalmunai when I came upon a roadblock with a large angry crowd. I turned around and soon found myself blocked from where I had come from by a new roadblock, but was able to walk through without incident

2. Zchita College - this Kalmunai school now runs a 2nd shift to accommodate the 1400 students (100 students had died in the Tsunami) from another school located within 200 meters of the shoreline - which was damaged heavily by the Tsunami. Zchita College was undamaged by the Tsunami physically, but the students, faculty, and administration were all affected in some way, many of them losing family members, their homes, and all of their possessions. (see two photos - one of the 1st shift computer lab students, and one with me and many of the class during my visit there Mar 11, 2005.

3. Children's Ward - Little Smile organization founder & president Michael Kreitmeir (Germany), was in Kalmunai today for a ground breaking ceremony at the site of the new 3-story Children's Ward at Kalmunai's 265-bed Ashraf Memorial Hospital. Participating in the ceremony was Dr. Nazeer (Deputy Provincial Director for Health Services - Kalmunai), Michael Kreitmeir, and Dr. Raeez (founder and president of Ampara Economic Recovery Organization (AERO). (photo taken by Fred Breedlove, USA)

4. Minefield - Land mines are a real concern for people in Batticaloa and other areas in Sri Lanka. The photo taken of Fred in Batticaloa is in an area very close to where people are living in home made temporary shelters/huts. (photo taken on Mar 8,2005).

5. Soldiers - Soldiers can be seen throughout Sri Lanka, usually carrying AK-47 machine guns. The soldiers in the photo were at a road check point in the Batticaloa area. Checkpoints like this are very common in Sri Lanka. Occaisionally you can also see non- uniformed men on the roads carrying AK-47's. Sorry for the poor quality of the photo - these guys do not like having their pictures taken.

6. Temporary Shelter - The woman in the photo with Fred Breedlove is living in the hut shown behind them on the foundation of what used to be her family's home. Her husband can be seen in the background talking to Dr. Raeez, AERO president