BAIDO NGOs' Responses to Tsunami Disaster Continue

The Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami disaster has activated the international development and humanitarian community in an unprecedented way. A tragedy on this scale underlines not only the necessity of global partnerships but also the value of networks of exchange and communication-like BAIDO-that can help facilitate humanitarian efforts.

These BAIDO Member NGOs and their partnering organizations have responded with relief efforts in the aftermath of the tsunami. Learn about the vital activities of BAIDO members-and how you can help:

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is focusing relief efforts on the areas hardest hit by the tsunami, including the Aceh province of Indonesia. AFSC is working through a local organization, Society for Health, Education, Environment, and Peace (SHEEP), to provide aid to the region. In addition, AFSC is supporting medical relief efforts for thousands of internally displaced persons. To make a contribution or to get more information, please visit www.afsc.org/tsunami.

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is partnering with community-based NGOs in the region to assess needs and provide emergency relief and reconstruction. AJWS is also partnering with other organizations to arrange immediate shipments of necessary supplies to India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Contact Ronni Strongin, Director of Media Relations, at (212) 273-1675. www.ajws.com

CARE representatives in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand have been on the ground dispensing food, water purification tablets, shelter materials, and basic medical supplies to victims in the hardest-hit areas. CARE is also accepting donations for these programs via its website. Contant Fairuz Taqi-Eddin at ftaqi@care.org or (415) 781-1585. www.careusa.org

Child Family Health International (CFHI) is partnering with International Medical Corps to support immediate relief efforts over the coming weeks along with global partners. CFHI is using a network of contacts to build continuing support for affected communities, with all contributions going towards the relief effort. Contact Amie (Michalek) Latterman, Outreach Director, at amie@cfhi.org or (415) 957-9000. www.cfhi.org/campaign.php4?ssno=12

Church World Service is directing basic and health supplies to the most affected areas. CWS will continue to meet emergency needs and long-term demands of rebuilding communities by providing a mobile medical clinic, a psychosocial mental health team, family shelter kits, water treatment systems, and Medicine Boxes donated by Interchurch Medical Assistance, which provide 1,000 persons with basic medicines for a three-month period. Contact Ann Walle at (212) 870-2654 or awalle@churchworldservice.org, or go to www.churchworldservice.org

The Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) sponsors the100 Friends Project, whose goal is to channel donations in affected areas of Sri Lanka to 100-200 families who may not be receiving sufficient aid. Each family will receive grants to purchase sewing machines, farm animals, fishing nets and boats, and other materials. Contact Marc Gold at (510) 502-9319 or marcgold@gmail.com, or go to www.100friendsproject.org. At FSD, contact Hailey Brewer at hailey@fsdinternational.org

The Global Fund for Women is providing funding to grantees that have been affected while accepting new grant applications, focusing its concerns on the disproportionate effects of the disaster on women and children. GFW remains committed to helping communities rebuild, preventing sexual violence, and ensuring the rights of women and children. Contact Leanne Grossman, Director of Communications, at leanne@globalfundforwomen.org or call (415) 202-7640. www.globalfundforwomen.org

Indians for Collective Action executive members are channeling donations directly through partner NGOs in India. Contributions can be made online thru www.icaonline.org or by check made payable to "ICA." Please indicate that your contribution is for the "Tsunami Relief Fund." Mail checks to: ICA, Box #355, 801 West El Camino, Mountain View, CA 94040. Contact Lata Patil at (650) 941-4133.

International Child Resource Institute is collaborating with partners in Sri Lanka on two projects providing support and relief for children traumatized by the tsunami. A model home for children orphaned and displaced by the tsunami is being built to support more than 100 boys and girls. The "Fallen Flowers" Program is a shared effort among ICRI and local partners to serve 600 children and youth, with a focus on providing food, counseling, activities, and education. Contact Lisa Ruth Shulman, Associate Director, at lisaruth@icrichild.org, or visit www.icrichild.org

To Love Children Educational Foundation International is teaming with Netaid to fund relief efforts by working with partners in the region. The foundation is sending 100% of the funds it collects to Netaid (www.Netaid.org) for distribution. Contact Katie Patricelli, Executive Coordinator, at katiepatricelli@tolovechildren.org. www.tolovechildren.org

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