Home | News Releases | Calendar | Getting Publicity | Media Lists | Governments | Contact | Sources Select News RSS Feed |


Press Release
January 17, 2005

Request for Emergency Relief Listing

We would officially request that Christian Blind Mission International (CBMI) Canada be included in your list of emergency relief agencies for tsunami victims in South Asia on your website.

Our emergency toll free number is 1-800-567-2264 and our on-line donation website is cbmicanada.org

Non-profit organization - Charity Reg - 10691 8329 RR 001

Less than four weeks after the South Asian tsunami swept away hundreds of thousands of lives, CBMI is now moving into its second phase of responding to the emergency needs of survivors by mobilizing health care networks to prevent disease that can cause disability and loss of sight.

As the world's leading agency dealing with issues of disability and blindness, helping over 11 million people throughout the developing world annually, CBMI is the key aid agency in the tsunami-devastated region specifically caring for survivors with disabilities.

With its staff of over 2,000 nationals in its 200 projects in the Asia rim, CBMI's Emergency Response went into action the first hours and days after the tidal wave washed away so many lives and communities. Hundreds of our workers - who were already living and working in the region - immediately began assessing needs and organizing life-saving relief. They provided emergency drinking water and medical supplies to people with disabilities, their families and neighbours.

Now, CBMI's current goal is to prevent long-term disability, especially blindness, through health education, vitamins, antibiotics, counseling and surgery. Our third phase will be to re-build and expand rehabilitation programs to meet the needs of the thousands of people left permanently disabled or emotionally traumatized by the disaster

As a registered Canadian charity, CBMI has 193 staff in Sri Lanka alone. One of our medical hospital units in Kalkudah, Sri Lanka was completely destroyed.

For further details and interviews, contact Lindsay O'Connor
CBMI Media & Public Relations Manager
Toll Free: 1-800-567-2264 x 289
loconnor@cbmicanada.org




Sources
     sources@sources.ca
Toronto, Ontario, , Canada         Tel:
Copyright © Sources, All rights reserved.