Can We Make A Difference To Asias Crisis ?

[Stav]

I have been watching the crisis in Asia unfold from the beggining to present on international Tv. I watched people swept away and crushed, I saw babies dead in their mothers arms. The despair on peoples faces tell a story of cataclismic proportions and here we sit.

What can make a real difference ? What will we remember in years to come ?

I think I will look back at this day and remember when I pledged some money to people who face oblivion over the next few days and weeks. Is there a way that we can muster something from us here that we can show they are in our thoughts?

[Laminge]

Appart from spending the morning on the forums

The guys from work have been busy down at red cross collecting donations and organising payments.

The red cross is an absolute nightmare at the moment with amount of support being offered.

A small donation to help the kids out whom no longer have parents or homes is well worth the effort.

Infact, after viewing the news stories last night, i got up halfway through my meal and made a donation as the sight of those kids moved me so much.

Anyone interest here is a link

https://www.redcross.org.au/Donation...iDonations.asp

Cheers

Gary

[Stav]

Thanks man I just put in 100 bucks. Felt good to do.Any one who wishes to follow suit ,I donated via ST George bank website for the red cross
The red cross website was inundated

http://www.stgeorge.com.au/media_cen....asp?orc=media

Originally Posted by useless

Thanks man I just put in 100 bucks. Felt good to do.Any one who wishes to follow suit ,I donated via ST George bank website for the red cross
The red cross website was inundated

http://www.stgeorge.com.au/media_cen....asp?orc=media

There are also a few banks that are being used as collection agencies up this way (Newcastle), and local radio stations are doing a similar thing.

the more we can all help the better...even if it is just the cost of a packet of cigarettes. All to a worth cause

[seano14]

i've donated $100 this morning also. every bit makes a huge difference - for $100 you can buy 3 music cd's, yet donating it to this cause you can provide help shelter food or water to people who really need it right now.

[Vile Merchant]

Originally Posted by seano14

i've donated $100 this morning also. every bit makes a huge difference - for $100 you can buy 3 music cd's, yet donating it to this cause you can provide help shelter food or water to people who really need it right now.

I agree. Better to make the donation and download the music via BitTorrent for free LOL.

[LTDHO]

We're trying to get money together at work for donation.

Look, it may only help a little but that's more than nothing!

[Stav]

Originally Posted by LTDHO

We're trying to get money together at work for donation.

Look, it may only help a little but that's more than nothing!

Nothing is what these guys have got to look forward too.Youve done well.

[MrSparkle]

Originally Posted by laminge

Infact, after viewing the news stories last night, i got up halfway through my meal and made a donation as the sight of those kids moved me so much.

Likewise...

The scale of this is beyond my comprehension, I just can't register the full impact of that many casualties. My father was telling me that there were around 110,000 killed from the Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombs, before counting those that were injured and those who died from radiation afterwards. That's the kind of level of this tragedy, and it is staggering.

It really puts things into perspective and is a huge reality check, and goes to show how grateful we should be just simply to be alive, let alone living in a great country with such a positive lifestyle.

I can only hope that all of us on here, as well as around the world, dig deep and at least try and provide some help for this. It's a small step but makes a world of difference for those who need it.

[EFFalcon]

i know money collected from a recent eseries cruise may be going to the cause.
they need everything they can get IMO

[Twisted]

We organised a collection at work yesterday for them, i cant really think of a better cause at the moment. They will definately benefit from the odd gold coin/change that anyone can collect and throw their way, we would only blow it on Macca's or something anyway!

[-AL-]

My daughter and I decided to chuck some $'s in we gave $100au to worldvision yesterday, after things have settled down a bit we'll prolly look at sponsoring a little kid somewhere. Hopefully we can make a difference to these poors peeps :(

[Stav]

I just hope our money gets there or well spent.

[parawolf]

i've donated a sizable amount - but what i'm concerned about is that there are people in parts of the world that live in these type of conditions day in day out and they don't get the same global recognition.

When was the last time you donated to help people in a 3rd world country?

i know its affected me both ways. i'm now going to monthly donate to care australia to help not only here, but in 3rd world countries.

[Stav]

Originally Posted by ianmcginley

i've donated a sizable amount - but what i'm concerned about is that there are people in parts of the world that live in these type of conditions day in day out and they don't get the same global recognition.

When was the last time you donated to help people in a 3rd world country?

i know its affected me both ways. i'm now going to monthly donate to care australia to help not only here, but in 3rd world countries.

Ian too true mate.You have to wonder though about the good ol USA government who explode bombs in Iraq every minute worth 1/2 million dollars and are the last to offer a realistic hand. I dont blame the people just their greedy government. I do think that children can be fed if unneccesary invasions like these dont sap the worlds' wealth.

One other thing bothering me is that Amercan satlites have footage of the tsunami as it hit in the first instance. Why didn't they see it coming across the ocean in its 3 hour travel ? If they had footage via satelite why did that government not warn the people of the region that a 3o foot high wave was coming?

Sorry guys ,but I have skewed off a little .I believe I have made a valid point
if forum moderators want to sensor this post I will understand.

[Yum-Yum]

Originally Posted by useless

You have to wonder though about the good ol USA government who explode bombs in Iraq every minute worth 1/2 million dollars and are the last to offer a realistic hand.

What I don't get is why pay millions to bomb buildings when you can pay contractors to do the same damage.
sorry been an early mornin for me.

[LuvinmyEB]

Originally Posted by useless

Ian too true mate.You have to wonder though about the good ol USA government who explode bombs in Iraq every minute worth 1/2 million dollars and are the last to offer a realistic hand. I dont blame the people just their greedy government. I do think that children can be fed if unneccesary invasions like these dont sap the worlds' wealth.

One other thing bothering me is that Amercan satlites have footage of the tsunami as it hit in the first instance. Why didn't they see it coming across the ocean in its 3 hour travel ? If they had footage via satelite why did that government not warn the people of the region that a 3o foot high wave was coming?

Sorry guys ,but I have skewed off a little .I believe I have made a valid point
if forum moderators want to sensor this post I will understand.

Don't even get me started on G. Dubbya Boosh!

[Psycho Chicken]

Originally Posted by useless

One other thing bothering me is that Amercan satlites have footage of the tsunami as it hit in the first instance. Why didn't they see it coming across the ocean in its 3 hour travel ? If they had footage via satelite why did that government not warn the people of the region that a 3o foot high wave was coming?

Probably because there's not a satellite over the area at all given times. Also tidal waves aren't that big in the ocean, they only start to get big as they near land.

The earthquake was picked up on seismographs, however they had no contact numbers for authorities in the affected areas. Might be a bit of a crock (how hard is it to call an Embassy?), but still.

And thirdly, who's saying all the satellites were American? Sure not everyone agrees with their global policy, but that's no excuse to assume everything is their fault.

[Stav]

Originally Posted by Psycho Chicken

Probably because there's not a satellite over the area at all given times. Also tidal waves aren't that big in the ocean, they only start to get big as they near land.

The earthquake was picked up on seismographs, however they had no contact numbers for authorities in the affected areas. Might be a bit of a crock (how hard is it to call an Embassy?), but still.

And thirdly, who's saying all the satellites were American? Sure not everyone agrees with their global policy, but that's no excuse to assume everything is their fault.

The reports I have seen had stated that the satelites were American owned. But what I had heard today is that they also have satelite footage of when it started.The water raised from the seabed like a mushroom shape not like a 1000 kilometre sea bed fault line. It even looks like an underwater atomic bomb.By the sounds of it , it was either a volcanic explosion or possibly a bomb.An earthquake causing the tectonic plates to move/slide by 10 metres would tend to force the water up in a straighter line and not in a circular uprising.Also worth noting is because of this underwater event it has been established that the earth has shifted 2 degrees out at its north and south poles!!!! I am not blaming them but its about time they pulled their finger out.

[The MaDDeSTMaN]

Originally Posted by useless

Ian too true mate.You have to wonder though about the good ol USA government who explode bombs in Iraq every minute worth 1/2 million dollars and are the last to offer a realistic hand. I dont blame the people just their greedy government. I do think that children can be fed if unneccesary invasions like these dont sap the worlds' wealth.

Perhaps it was because it was considered to be so far away from the US that they offered such a small amount to start with? Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending the US governments actions in ANY way, just trying to get an understanding myself of why the most powerful and richest country in the world was so stingy in the face of such a huge catastrophe.

Only thing I can think of is the insular attitude that seems to be so common over there, that the world outside of it's borders doesn't matter, or maybe doesn't even actually exist...

Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox now.

[b2tf]

Probably didnt want to spend money on people they're worried they might have to kill in a few years time?

[Psycho Chicken]

Originally Posted by The MaDDeSTMaN

Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending the US governments actions in ANY way, just trying to get an understanding myself of why the most powerful and richest country in the world was so stingy in the face of such a huge catastrophe.

You're kidding right? Their economy is snafu right now.

[The MaDDeSTMaN]

Originally Posted by Psycho Chicken

You're kidding right? Their economy is snafu right now.

Perhaps their economy has been stronger then it currently is, but they're still doing a lot better then a lot of other countries, and I personally don't think there is an excuse for them to not dig deep and do all they can - financially and otherwise - to help.

[BTTB]

Originally Posted by The MaDDeSTMaN

Perhaps it was because it was considered to be so far away from the US that they offered such a small amount to start with? Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending the US governments actions in ANY way, just trying to get an understanding myself of why the most powerful and richest country in the world was so stingy in the face of such a huge catastrophe.

GWB finally pulled his finger out and increased Americas
contribution TENFOLD (now 450 million)

But considering their country is TEN times larger then ours
I still feel they are holding back a bit :rolleyes:

We have some money aside for the New houses bathroom reno...
I think in the recent light of things... the reno can wait a lil longer and
a portion of those funds could be utilised better elsewhere ;)

[LuvinmyEB]

Being a nurse, when I saw all the people that are suffering over there my first thought was "I could be helping over there.". However with the diseases that are going to be the next major killer and I can't have Hep B shots, I'd probably be more of a hinderance.

www.ebay.com.au is another place that you can donate at.

I wish I knew someone in the medical profession that was over there or going over, that way I'd know that my money was buying things that were needed urgently.

I will donate however, I'm just not sure to which charity there are so many of them. :(

[JADED6]

I cant even come to terms with how massive it is.
When i read that 3,000 were dead i thought damn, from a wave, then saw 12,000 and thought SH!T. Then 33,000 and I couldnt believe it, then came 60,000 and now it's well over 100,000.
They are cremating bodies asap to try and stop spreading diseases, the weather is rotting bodies rather fast apparently.
Cremation would have to be the go though.

100,000 bodies @ atleast 2metres per grave site would need a 200 kilometre grave yard. I'm not being morbid, just that thinking of it like that makes me realise how many people have died here.

[Peuty]

Not to mention all those that would have been swept out to sea

RIP

[Yum-Yum]

I see the Kiwi's are trying to do there bit, but unfortunatly the harrier carrying supplies has broken down on an Indian tarmac not sure when the flight will resume but hopefully It'll get those deserved of aid.
Top stuff to all those donating out there, Yum yum wil be doing his best to add to the collection.
Peace to all involved.

[b2tf]

Yes, ive already donated and will donate more when i get the next paycheck.

Was actually thinking tonight as i watched NYE on Ch. 9, here we are watching $xxx million go up in smoke while they have nothing. I'm all for a celebration, but its a bit rude to go do that IMHO. Im sure the vast majority of people would have preferred the NYE fireworks $$$ go to the people who need it most - woud be an achievement for us as a nation and a great start to the new year, instead of burning it all up.

Anyway, rant off now.

[champsky]

Originally Posted by back2thefutura

Yes, ive already donated and will donate more when i get the next paycheck.

Was actually thinking tonight as i watched NYE on Ch. 9, here we are watching $xxx million go up in smoke while they have nothing. I'm all for a celebration, but its a bit rude to go do that IMHO. Im sure the vast majority of people would have preferred the NYE fireworks $$$ go to the people who need it most - woud be an achievement for us as a nation and a great start to the new year, instead of burning it all up.

Anyway, rant off now.

So very true bro, i never watch the fireworks, i mean, millions were spent to get them up all over Australian capital cities for about 15-30 mins of pleasure, but seriously, imo if youve seen one NYE fireworks show youve seen them all.

i wouldve like to see them give the money to a worthy cause, as that wouldve made celebrating the new year quite special to me.

as for donating, ill be sure to give a nice donation once ive started working again (im unemployed and not on any government funds, lucky i have a loving mother to help me out, in which ill return two fold to her.)