Effort To Support American Red Cross

Civil Air Patrol members are heeding the call to help millions of families in South Asia and Eastern Africa, victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami that killed more than 150,000 people and destroyed countless homes and businesses.

The American Red Cross announced Jan. 7 that it needs an approximately $400 million to respond to the immediate and long-term needs of tsunami victims. CAP is responding to this challenge by establishing the CAP Tsunami Relief Project. The donations made by approximately 60,000 members of CAP will benefit tsunami relief efforts through the American Red Cross International Response Fund .

"As volunteers deeply involved in disaster relief, we -- more than others -- understand the enormity of the task facing the world relief organizations," said Maj. Gen. Dwight H. Wheless, CAP national commander. "I challenge all Civil Air Patrol members and units to seriously consider making tsunami financial relief a major goal until emergency needs are met."

In coordination with other global partners, the Red Cross uses resources from its International Response Fund for such needs as emergency and supplemental food aid; safe drinking water and sanitation; vaccinations and healthcare; personal goods such as sleeping mats, blankets, sheets and mosquito nets; personal hygiene kits and mental health counseling.

"The American Red Cross has performed admirably during the tsunami disaster. Their resources have been stretched to the limit. Join me in contributing to the Red Cross and praying for the people who have lost family members, homes and livelihood," said Chaplain Col. Charles Sharp, chief, CAP chaplain service.

CAP will present the proceeds from its Tsunami Relief Project to the American Red Cross at CAP's Winter National Board meeting March 1 – 5, 2005 in Washington, DC.

FMI: www.cap.gov