Local Red Cross fund gets going with $36,000

The TT Red Cross Society (TTRCS) appeal fund for victims of the tsunamis in Asia has started with TT$36,000 in donations since it was launched on Wednesday. TTRCS Public Relations Officer, Judy Boopsingh, said the Society may have to do more to galvanise local support for the fund. “There is so much media attention right now people are overwhelmed with information. “We hope through the international media will give life to what we are trying to do.” 

Money can be deposited at all Republic Bank branches at account number 180463484801. All of the money collected will be sent to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS) which will distribute the funds where needed. Boopsingh said although the international body had initially appealed for $7.6 million Swiss francs, this has increased to 67 million. “This is going to be a long haul for the humanitarian organisations, the states and the hundreds of thousands of affected persons,” Boopsingh said.