Washington D.C., Jan 5, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has pledged $25 million in aid for the victims of the devastating tsunami that hit southeast Asia the day after Christmas, leaving more than 150,000 people dead and millions homeless.
CRS staff is working throughout the devastated region, conducting assessments and collaborating with local partners in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia to establish the most effective measures of response. Food and water are also being distributed.
Although CRS pledged $25 million for emergency relief efforts, only $11 million has been raised to date.
In an effort to raise these remaining $14 million, parishes in dioceses throughout the United States will have a special collection for victims during masses this weekend.