Message from Bilaal Rajan, UNICEF Ambassador
Special Emergency Issue Newsletter – October 2009
Dear Friends,
I am writing you this urgent message to help the people of South-East Asia who have suffered immensely from three natural disasters that have struck in the last week. Typhoon Ketsana has slammed into the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia. A massive earthquake struck Indonesia, while American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga were hit by a tsunami. These disasters have affected many thousands of people and caused death, widespread flooding and destruction.
As a UNICEF Ambassador, I am pleading with each and every one of you to donate what you can to the relief efforts currently underway. UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) is delivering more hygiene kits, essential medicines, water purification tablets, portable toilets and family kits containing blankets and soap to aid in relief efforts. It is also helping governments and other humanitarian agencies to address gaps in the delivery of aid to those affected.
Since September 26, thousands have died and many more people are without homes, running water or food, and the death toll is rising. To make matters worse, there are more powerful tropical storms and flooding in the forecast, including Typhoon Parma, which has already hit the Philippines and is heading towards Vietnam.
This is our chance to make a difference. We can’t afford to wait. Your dollars will save people’s lives. And the great thing is that it’s so easy. Just go to www.unicef.ca, click on “Donate Now” and give your very special donation to the Asia-Pacific Disaster Fund. You’ll get a tax receipt as well, so it may only end up costing you very little.
In addition, send out the message to friends and family. The more people that know about the relief efforts, the more lives we can save. Thank you!
Ismailimail 