Not since September 11, 2001 have Americans been so moved by tragedy.
The tsunamis that destroyed so much life and property in Southeast Asia is one of the largest natural catastrophes in history. Categorized as a 9-magnitude quake, the biggest in more than 40 years, the tsunami was triggered by an underwater earthquake under the Indian Ocean off the west coast of Sumatra, causing multiple tsunamis, or walls of water, to wash over the coastlines of more than 10 countries, killing over 150,000, injuring hundreds of thousands, and leaving as many more homeless.
Americans are urged to give generously to bring fresh water, medicine and other supplies to devastated areas. Across the country, children are making jewelry and running hot cocoa stands to raise money for UNICEF and other organizations. Entertainment stars such as Sandra Bullock, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jay Leno, and the rock band U2 are giving millions and/or organizing fund-raising efforts.
"I've been in war, and I've been through a number of hurricanes, tornadoes and other relief operations," U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell told reporters following a helicopter tour of the Indonesian province of Aceh yesterday, "But I have never seen anything like this."
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has also swung into action. As it did four years ago following the terrorist attacks, the NAR is galvanizing Realtors to once again give generously to a special relief effort in which 100 percent of all donations raised will go toward relief efforts.
"I have been overwhelmed by the news of the loss of life and devastation suffered by the victims of the terrible natural disaster in Southeast Asia," said NAR President Al Mansell in a letter to Realtors®. NAR is working with international partners in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand to identify the best means to deliver relief to those in greatest need, Mansell said. He noted that NAR is also looking for ways to help members of the international Realtor® family who have been affected by this tragedy. Mansell is the president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Salt Lake City.
NAR has contributed $50,000 to start the project, and the organization will absorb the administrative costs. Mansell urged Realtors® to contribute as well.
Contributions are tax deductible. If you would like to make a contribution, please give generously online by clicking here to visit the secure site powered by NAR's e-commerce system.
To make contributions by mail, checks should be made payable to the REALTOR® Tsunami Relief Project and sent to:
REALTOR® Tsunami Relief Project
Attn: NAR Finance Division
430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611
Published: January 6, 2005
Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.
