Durham Community Tsunami Relief Pickering, ON, January 6, 2005 - Pickering council, countless community groups and businesses, and individuals from across Durham are working together on what they hope will be the region's largest ever relief effort. The working group of 20 met for the first time Monday, setting out an ambitious agenda of fundraising to aid victims of the tragic earthquake and tsunamis in South Asia. "This terrible disaster has hit home hard for many people in Pickering, Ajax and across Durham Region," said committee co-chairman Maurice Brenner, the Pickering Regional Councillor for Ward 1. "So many of our friends and neighbours in Durham Region have lost family and friends and are dealing with unimaginable loss." "We're inviting everyone across Durham to join with us and help us offer relief in this desperate time of need," added Pickering Regional Councillor Bill McLean, also co-chairman. "Anything you can provide, from auction items, to dollars, to volunteer time is appreciated and needed." Any group or individual interested in hosting a fundraising effort is welcome to contact the committee and join the effort. In addition, a day of entertainment with live or silent auction is being planned for Saturday, Jan. 29 at Deer Creek Golf and Country Club. Final details are still being determined. All Pickering councillors have agreed to volunteer their time to the cause, while Ajax council has also pledged its support, along with Durham Chairman Roger Anderson. In addition, Councillor Brenner noted the committee has been delivering a message to all Mayors, Councillors and the Federal and Provincial Members of Parliament in Durham Region that their communities' assistance and participation would be very much welcomed. The invitation is being well-received. Muttukumaru Chandrakumaran, president of the Durham Tamil Association noted that the Tamil community here in Durham has been working to get much needed aid to friends and relatives in Sri Lanka, but also recognized that "many countries and communities in Southeast Asia are in dire need of such aid. As such, the Tamil community is pleased to work with all groups in Durham to get humanitarian aid to the broader Southeast Asia community." Currently a bank account is being set up with assistance from Ajax-Pickering MP Mark Holland, who is also working to receive a commitment from the Canadian government to match all dollars raised through the effort. The current cut-off date on the government's dollar matching program is Jan. 11 and Mr. Holland is optimistic the government will grant an extension. Funds will go to a Canadian government-endorsed relief organization to ensure dollars are maximized. Along with the co-chairmen and Mr. Holland, the community working group is made up of Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles, community volunteers, and representatives from the Ajax and Pickering News Advertiser of the Metroland Durham Region Media Group, the Durham Tamil Association, Deer Creek Banquet Facility, the Durham Red Cross, Home Depot, Cherry Tree Cafe and Bob Caygeon's. The fallout from the earthquake and tsunamis have resulted in what is expected to be the largest and costliest disaster relief effort in history. With the death toll at well over 100,000 and millions more now left homeless, there is an urgent need for our community to come together in order to raise badly needed funds. If you or your business can help please call the Councillors' Office at the City of Pickering 905.420.4605. -30-
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