Tsunami
relief: Help us provide aid for the victims
The
Sisters of Notre Dame are combining their efforts worldwide to assist the
people suffering from the effects of the earthquakes and the Indian Ocean
tsunami that occurred on December 26, 2004. Our sisters in India have been
ministering
since the 1990s in some of the hardest hit areas, so they were able to
provide immediate assistance to the victims.
So
many people are homeless, wounded, suffering losses, in need of medical
care and basic necessities. Our faith teaches us that the children who are
hungry are our children; the
students
in
need of housing and school supplies are our family members; the wounded woman
grieving the loss of family members is our sister; the man who has lost
his home and fishing boat, wondering how to provide for his family, is
our brother.
This
will be a long-term recovery. We are not only providing direct assistance
to those affected by the disaster, in addition to our ministries in India,
but our sisters around the world are making sacrifices in order to send aid
from
our limited
resources.
But we need your help. Please join us in this effort. We have made the commitment that 100% of donations for tsunami relief will directly aid the victims. The need is both immediate and ongoing: to make the houses livable supply household articles, provide classrooms and materials for the children who lost their schools, help to establish orphanages, arrange remedial classes, etc. Any amount is welcome. For example, $5 can provide 30 pounds of rice, while $3,500 will build a new home.
Secure online credit card donations can be made by following the donation link to the Notre Dame India Mission website and completing the form:
https://www.chi-cash-advance.com/sforms/appeal208/
Please indicate in the message field that this donation is for tsunami relief.
If you prefer to make a donation by phone, call 1-888-ND-INDIA (1-888-634-6342).
Or send your donation by mail to:
Notre Dame India Mission
13000 Auburn Road
Chardon, OH 44024
USA
Please indicate that this donation is for tsunami relief.
Your gift is an answer to the hopes and prayers of the many people who are suffering from this disaster who have lost so much. Thank you for your help!
For more information, click on the links below, contact us at ndim@ndec.org or call 1-888-ND-INDIA (1-888-634-6342).
First-hand account of tsunami relief efforts
Questions and Answers
Free newsletter (Trunkline) for more information
about the work of our sisters in India.
First-hand account of tsunami relief efforts from Sister Mary Priscilla:
Through the media you may have gotten an idea about the tragedy that has
struck us, especially in Tamil Nadu. Our convent, classrooms, and office
all were used for a camp for the affected people to provide food, shelter,
clothing, and medical care. I was the nurse, bandaging wounds and giving
basic care for the sick. Many were severely wounded as they ran for their
lives. From Dec. 28th to Jan. 3rd we fed over 2,500 people daily here.…we
were involved fully from dawn to dusk.
Many of our students had traumatic experiences, running for their lives,
searching, for their loved ones, losing everything and staying in camps.
For many, the future is a big question mark. For now they are provided
with some food and old clothing. All the other needs have to be met.
For some I had to provide toothbrushes, combs, etc. Can you imagine what
these
young ones went through? Some are without homes, so I have made arrangements
for their accommodations and food. It will take some time for them to
get over their traumatic experience. I have arranged a seminar with an experienced
person to help the students to deal with the present tragedy, but I need
to find some generous people who could help me financially to pay for
their
food, clothes, supplies, books, etc. I need to find alternatives so that
the students don't go through agony about their future and could continue
their studies.
Donation information
Questions and Answers
Back to article on tsunami relief
Questions and Answers
What will donations cover?
Immediate needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and more long-range
needs like rebuilding homes. For example, $5 can provide 30 pounds
of rice, while
$3,500 will build a new home.
Will 100% of my donation really go to aid the victims of the
disaster? Why don’t other organizations do this?
Yes, for tsunami relief donations, we are sending the full amount
of the donor's gift. Other organizations take out a percentage
for administrative
costs, mailing letters of acknowledgement, etc. We have those
costs too, but are making that part of our sacrificial giving.
If you wish
to help
us with these expenses, that would also be appreciated.
Will donors be put on a mailing list, called, or e-mailed?
It is their option if they wish to be put on our list and receive
further materials. If you would like to receive our free newsletter,
the Trunkline,
visit our More Information page and fill out the form to request
a copy.
Are names of donors given or traded with other organizations?
We don't exchange names with other organizations.
Will there be a receipt or letter sent for a donation?
Yes, as long as we have the donor's address, we will send a prompt
letter of gratitude and acknowledgement.
Will an e-mail receipt be sent for online donations (followed
by a written one)?
Yes, that is an automatic response from our processing
company.
Is the Notre Dame India Mission is a registered 501(c)3
charitable organization?
Yes. Donations can also be claimed on your tax return, depending on
regulations in your country.
Can I donate clothing, blankets or other items?
No. The cost to collect, manage, and ship those items is
prohibitive for us. Monetary gifts allow us to purchase
what the disaster
victims most
urgently need.
What are some ideas for raising funds and donating the
proceeds?
Take up collections at work or in your area. Invite family
and friends to contribute.
How long have the Sisters of Notre Dame been in the areas
needing help?
We have been in Tamil Nadu (one of India’s southern
states) since the 1990's.
What are some of the ministries of the sisters there?
We organize Basic Christian Communities, run a community
college, and have parish schools.
Where can I get information to answer other questions
about helping with tsunami relief or other efforts
of the Sisters
of Notre
Dame in India?
Contact us at ndim@ndec.org or call 1-888-ND-INDIA
(1-888-634-6342).
How can I help the Sisters of Notre Dame in other
projects and ministries?
Share in our
Ministry has some ideas and suggestions.
Donation information
First-hand account of tsunami
relief efforts
Back to article on tsunami relief
