ST LOUIS: The first phase of fundraising campaign to help the flood victims of Chennai and other places of Tamil Nadu was held recently at Mahatma Gandhi Center. It was hosted by Tamil Sangam of Missouri in alliance with other leading India Association of St. Louis.
The catastrophic floods brought life in the metropolitan city (Singara Chennai) and other parts like Cuddalore and Kanchipuram to complete halt. The amount of damage caused is unprecedented and many experts suspect that the total impact will run into tens of millions of dollars. Over 300 people have died and several thousands stranded and suffered crippling losses from the debacle. People have no access to food, water and very basic amenities and the city needs immediate relief measures.
The objective of the fundraiser held with the support of Telugu Association of St. Louis (TAS), Ohmkaram Association of St. Louis, Dhvani Foundation, Sangeetha Association of St. Louis, Gujarati Samaj, St. Louis Tamil Church, St. Louis Marathi Mandal, Sangama St.Louis Kannada Association, Asha of St. Louis, Asian American Chamber of e-commerce, STLVA Chapter and ACA (American Cricket Association) is to help the victims to get back to their normal life.
This is being done by soliciting funds from generous donors and channelize it to different charity organizations like Abdul Kalam Vision India Movement, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, etc. to meet their long and short term goals to expedite the process. With the overwhelming response and support from all Indian communities and associations in St. Louis, the organizers of the campaign were able to raise the collection amount towards the flood relief to $42,000.
The meeting observed a minute’s silence in memory of those affected by the flood. Hundreds of people turned in to show their support and solidarity to the people back home. The successful campaign witnessed enthusiastic donors keeping the volunteers at the collection desk busy throughout the day. Presidents and representatives of the respective organizations participated in the campaign were called upon the stage to share their views about the disaster and the kind of help that can be provided at this tough time.
Videos and presentations were continuously displayed to show the nature of the disaster.
The campaign was generously supported and sponsored by US Wide Financial, Sun Copies, Seema, Asian Spices and Bombay Bazar.
The President of Tamil Sangam of Missouri said in his address: “We have taken a pledge that our efforts will not end until the affected people back home get a new beginning.”
He thanked all the sponsors, donors and partnering associations who were instrumental in running this successful campaign at short notice. Donors who wish to donate and help the flood victims can log on to http://www.motamilsangam.org/ to make their valuable contributions.
G.S.M. SUNDARAM
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