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Facts you should know about the International Response Fund and the American Red Cross
January 14, 2005
 

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies determines the need in the affected countries and calls on the national societies around the world for assistance.  In addition, the International Federation is working with other agencies and organizations to make sure donations are used the most efficiently and to reduce the amount of duplication of efforts.

The American Red Cross immediately responded to the Tsunami Disaster with $30 - $25 million in food and $5 million in non-food items, such as hygiene kits and family kits.  We continue to send assistance in several ways as requested by the International Red Cross.

Hygiene kits provide the following for a family of six for a month: soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, razors, feminine hygiene products and laundry powder.

Family kits provide a family of six with some necessities for setting up a household, such as plastic sheeting, sleeping mats and blankets, mosquito netting, 20 liter portable water container and a lantern.  Some families may also receive a waterproof tent and/or pots/pans/plates/utensils as needed.

Highly skilled and specially trained relief volunteers have been deployed to assist with water sanitation, large scale relief distribution and family tracing and reunification.  In addition, some workers that had been already in India helping to build mental health services capacity have been transferred to affected areas.

The American Red Cross has developed a plan for longer-term assistance that calls for $400 million.  This money will be spent in five major areas: water sanitation, food, mental health counseling, immunization and response to disease outbreaks, and disaster preparedness education and preventive measures.

As of 1/10/05, $161 million had been collected or pledged to the American Red Cross Tsunami effort.  Once the $400 million goal is reached, donations will beheld in the International Response Fund to respond to future disasters.

Although the compassion and concern that prompts people to want to collect items and/or volunteer is greatly appreciated, the American Red Cross requests only financial donations at this time.  It is much more cost efficient to purchase items, especially food and clothing, nearer to the affected areas to assure cultural compatibility as well as to help boost the economy in the area.

For information about national or local Red Cross activities, please contact Janice Wilson, North Area Director, ARC of Massachusetts Bay, 978.531.2280 or wilsonj@usa.redcross.org