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January 8, 2005
TSUNAMI RELIEF
All members were shocked at the tragedy that occurred on Boxing Day in South and Southeast Asia. The numbers are staggering, the dead, injured and displaced are equivalent to the entire GTA area. While the numbers are large, there is a personal face to these victims. We are blessed to live in a very diverse multicultural city that allows us to experience the world on our door step. We also, unfortunately, have experienced the hardship felt by our members, families and friends who have been directly affected by this tragedy. We are also aware of the impact on Postal Workers in these countries. In Aceh, Sumatra only 64 out of 200 members are alive. In Sri Lanka approximately 350 post offices were destroyed or damaged, and there were also deaths. While you may wonder why foreign tourists are treated differently in these countries, why the world can stand by and do nothing in Darfur (now), Rwanda (past) and other locations where more have died, at the hands of others, but what do you do now? Many employees have helped in their own way, as you have done in the past (United Way). If you feel the need to help you should donate to a large recognized agency already working in the affected areas. Some organizations have religious connotations and some have high “overhead” costs and a smaller percentage of your donation reaches the area. Brother Sam Harper from Pickering is putting together a dinner / limo / entertainment package to be raffled off with all the proceeds going to the Tsunami Relief. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is a member of the International Union called UNI which represents international postal and communication unions. We suggest that you donate to this relief organization. The “UNI-care” Bank information is on the reverse of this bulletin, along with other major organizations. This list of organizations is from the Canadian International Development Agency. Many have on-line / internet / VISA payment options. You can also talk to your banking institution. Major Banks will accept donations to the Red Cross/Red Crescent. The Scarborough Local Executive encourages you to help in your own way if you can. In Solidarity
Mike Duquette President Scarborough Local __________________________________________- UNI
has opened an account "UNIon Care"; the name was suggested by our
Indonesian affiliate Aspek. ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________ CIDA Website Information
These organizations
and specialized agencies have many years of experience in providing assistance.
They have established information networks, systems for distributing goods, and
techniques for assessing needs based on factors such as the victims' way of
life, eating habits and religious beliefs. They can often buy goods at special
prices, ensuring full value for each dollar donated. Some goods can be bought
locally, keeping transportation costs low and stimulating the local economy.
These groups monitor the delivery of their assistance in an effort to ensure aid
reaches its intended destination.
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