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Tsunami Relief
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Many of us were deeply shocked and saddened by the desparation and enormity of the damage caused by the Tsunami in December 2004. Members of the Maidenhead Interfaith group met to explore how we might respond to the tragedy.
 We identified that we would not be able to provide any significant help to the entire region, but that should not prevent us from providing any help. We decided to look for a Village affected by the disaster that we could help in some material way. We were also anxious of providing help that was not needed or that would not arrive where it was intended.So the group looked for a Village with which we can have direct contact.
 The Village we have identified for help is Ban Laem Pom in Thailand, about two hours drive from Phuket. The Village was entirely destroyed. The Village comprised about 200 families before the Tsunami, and now has only 100 families. Many of the families were desimated. Others suffered terrible losses of some or most of their family members. Everyone lost all of their material possessions. The entire village currently lives in tents near the beach, with no running water or sanitation. No-one has enough food or tools.
Within the Maidenhead Community, we have a number of members who have ties with Thailand. We have visited the region and set up links with the Villages and with local charities. We have set up systems for transfer of funds and systems to monitor that the funds are received by the Villagers and that they are used as intended.
We are resolved that 100% of funds and resources raised for the Villagers will be sent directly to the Villagers. There will be no administration costs.
We have linked up with a UK registered charity, to ensure charitable tax relief is available for all qualifying UK donations. The charity, the Gil Poulos Memorial Trust, has set up a separate designated bank account and has agreed that no charges will be made for their involvement in collecting and remitting the funds to the Villagers.
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