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$1 tsunami relief drive launched
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Posted on Jan 03 2005
The CNMI government and the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter launched yesterday a fundraising campaign, urging residents to donate at least $1 each to help the tsunami victims in Asia.
“If everyone in the CNMI give $1 each, we could raise up to $70,000. One dollar per person is not too much to ask for, especially when that $1 can go a long way toward providing the relief needed. Of course, more is welcome,” said Gov. Juan N. Babauta yesterday.
Contributions can be made at the following locations: ARC-NMI office along Airport Road, Governor’s Office on Capitol Hill, Marianas Visitors Authority office in San Jose, and Chamber of Commerce in Garapan.
Checks should be made payable to American Red Cross.
Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente said the designated places “are most convenient” for people.
ARC-NMI executive director John Hirsh said the fund drive would last for three weeks or until the end of this month.
“We encourage every individual to give. Every penny counts,” he said.
Bob Jones, president and CEO of Triple J Enterprises and chair of the Strategic Economic Development Council, called on businesses to come forward and chip in.
Jones himself pledged $5,000 donation for the tsunami fund drive.
Babauta who gave a $100 donation yesterday to ARC, said the campaign should not stop other individuals or groups from holding their own fundraising programs for the victims.
Babauta described the tsunami, which hit 12 countries, mostly in Asia, after Christmas as “the worst natural disaster of our lifetime.”
“We here in the CNMI have a special feeling of empathy for the victims. We are not strangers to natural disaster. Our lives and the lives of our most remote ancestors have been shaped by unpredictable natural forces. The faces of the victims we see on CNN are familiar faces; they are the faces of our neighbors,” he said.
He said the administration opted to support the ARC’ International Response Fund as it has supported the CNMI with millions of dollars over the past 40 years.
“The ARC has given so much…it’s our turn to give back, especially in this time of great need,” he said.
