Oxfam needs us to help contact US government officials to ask for increased support for tsunami victims

February 3, 2005 -- Oxfam America wants our support for their letter-writing campaign to increase US government financial support to the victims. The US made an initial commitment of $350 million. Oxfam is only asking for $1 billion--still less than about 10% of Australia's pledge per citizen. Please ask the US government to do a better job at helping the victims recover.

The message below is from Oxfam America:

The massive earthquake and tsunami that hit South Asia on December 26 caused unprecedented devastation and wreaked havoc on millions of lives. More than 200,000 people have died. Over one million people are homeless. And millions who survived are living in crisis.

The immediate outpouring of support has helped to address some of the immediate needs of the tsunami survivors. The relief effort is well underway. The rebuilding effort, however, is only beginning and it will continue for years to come.

The US made an initial commitment of $350 million. But additional aid is also needed for longer-term reconstruction. Moreover, it is important that the US government fulfill its pledge of support without depleting resources for relief work in other parts of the world.

Please email Congress and President Bush. Ask them to increase tsunami aid and also help other 'forgotten' emergencies around the globe.

Then please tell all your friends about the campaign and encourage them to join. Thank you.

See our tsunami page to learn more about how you can help