HTAG Guildford - Tsunami Bicycle Appeal

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Tsunami Bicycle Appeal

"I have just returned from Sri Lanka where I had discussions with the Chair of Community Service at the Rotary Club of Colombo, Mr Nalin Fernando, to see if I could get involved with any projects aiding tsunami victims.

Major rebuilding projects are being co-ordinated by the government but aid agencies and others are supporting other aid projects. The Rotary clubs in Colombo are providing equipment ie desks, computers etc. for 15 schools on the east coast which are being rebuilt by the government.

UNICEF are providing materials ie books, paper, pens etc for the pupils. They have already raised what they feel are sufficient funds for this purpose. In addition each club has taken on other projects. The Rotary Club of Colombo are raising funds for the provision of bicycles. Sounds odd, but the need is great. Local transport, buses, cars, motor bikes and bicycles has been ruined by sea water and many roads in rural areas are not yet rebuilt. In addition the temporary accommodation is often well away from the original settlements and places of work. For example, where a solidly built beach hotel survived the local village may have been all but destroyed with the result that workers, now in temporary camps, have to walk some distance to work. Also teachers and health workers may now be miles from their temporary schools or clinics. Hence the need for bicycles. A decent bike costs about 5000 rupees, about £27.00, and hundreds are needed.

Several friends of mine are interested in helping with this project so I have arranged the following: - All money raised will be sent to a dedicated account in Colombo administered by the Rotary club. A list of all contributors, with amounts, will be sent to each contributor together with evidence of the transfer of the full amount to Sri Lanka. The Rotary Club of Colombo will purchase bicycles and take them to the east where they will be distributed appropriately. They will provide evidence of purchase plus a list of recipients and photographic evidence of this. There is some corruption and some aid is not reaching those who need it. I have every confidence that the Rotary Club of Colombo, which was my father-in-law's club and which I have visited many times, will act honourably.

If you and perhaps other individuals care to support this project the people of Sri Lanka would be very grateful. If necessary an individual or group can have specific bicycles allocated in their name. I have not set up a separate bank account for this. I transfer money to Sri Lanka regularly from a Halifax bank account and as stated above will provide each contributor with a list of all contributions and a copy of the bank transfer. The Rotary club will provide evidence that the money has been properly used. There is a need to act quickly so if you or any friends or colleagues care to help please let me know soon."

Brian Chalkley
brian.chalkley@lineone.net