Asia Relief

December 29, 2004
When I saw the devastation from the December 26 earthquake and tsunami in the Asia area on the news, I couldn't believe it. The magnitude of the destruction and suffering is almost incomprehensible. So many have lost loved ones and are left wondering how they will go on. Add to the loss of lives the fact that most survivors have none of the essentials for life left-- no clean drinking water or food right now, let alone shelter. It is going to take a long time for these people to rebuild their lives and some may never recover emotionally even if they do physically make it through the coming months.

We are so fortunate living where we do -- I slept in a warm bed last night and have fresh food and water, shelter and so much more. My family and friends are safe and healthy. I am really counting my blessings and realizing that any troubles we are facing are really inconsequential.

So, I wondered what I could do to help the survivors. The relief agencies (some are listed below) have indicated that money is the best way to help right now -- it enables them to get supplies and aid to the people who need it most in the fastest way possible. Then the question was how could we come up with money to give? I thought that donating 10% of the sales from my store and also 10% of the sales generated from the website to the Red Cross would be the best way to raise funds for the relief effort. It's our small way of helping. We chose January 2nd, 3rd, and 4th as the days to focus on.

Then I thought I should try to get as many other businesses involved as possible. The response I have received has been great -- thank you all!

To that end, January 2 - 4, 2005 are Asia Relief Days here at Annie's and other local businesses in Nelson, BC. We are all donating a portion of our sales to the relief efforts to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami tragedy in Asia. Some businesses are donating a percentage of sales, others are matching their customer's donations.

The local media has been wonderful in helping get the word out. I've been on three of our local radio stations (BKR, KBS and CJLY Kootenay Coop Radio) as well as the CBC. The Nelson Daily News newspaper printed an article on Friday, December 31.

I hope the community really gets behind the businesses and we can all donate a lot of money to the cause.

Wednesday, January 5 we will be at the Nelson Jr. Leafs hockey game! Businesses have donated some great prizes that we will raffle off -- all proceeds to the relief effort! So come on out, support our hockey team, enjoy some great hockey, and support Asia Relief! The draw will take place st the game on Saturday, January 8. The Leafs also pledge their portion of the 50/50 draw from Wednesday's game to Asia Relief.

Thursday January 6 - The store has become a drop off point for anyone wishing to donate to the Red Cross. Please make your cheque payable to the Canadian Red Cross. Your donation will be used to provide help where it is needed most - unless you indicate "Canadian Red Cross Asia Earthquake & Tsunami Relief fund".

Monday, January 10 - Today we delivered the donation on behalf of "Annie's" (store sales and Hockey Games) to the Red Cross - $634 - I wish it was more, but every bit helps! And I know many of the businesses participating have made sizeable donations. To date, we have collectively raised over $10,000.00 and it is still growing.
The Nelson Maple Leafs raised $253 through their 50/50 draw - the person who won donated half of the winnings back! Thank you!
And, since the donations were in before January 11th, they will be matched by the Federal Government.

If you wish to donate to a relief agency, please visit the websites below. There are so many agencies doing such great work.

Participating businesses include*:
Annie's
Lonnie's Lingerie
Bubbles n' bath
Chuckleberry Lane
Streetclothes Named Desire
Reo's Video
Kootenay Moon
Feelings with Flowers / What's Happening Party Rentals
Oso Negro
Dragonfly
Mountain Pass Imports
Nelson Ford
Color Your World
Otter Books
Main Street Diner
Serendipity Arts and Treasures
Little House Collectibles

The list is growing. I will update it here as more businesses come on board. People have also offered to help with the event in any way they can. I'm so proud of my community -- thank you everyone!

*Many in town are contributing in other ways -- the businesses listed here are the ones who have been involved with the "Asia Relief" campaign talked about here.