UNITED APPEAL FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
(Media Release from Saeed Khan to Sada-e-Watan Sydney)
Today, leaders of the Australian Pakistani community established a Pakistan Earthquake Appeal Co-ordination Committee (PEACC) to collaborate aid efforts for the earthquake victims. “The aftermath of the earthquake is immeasurable and incomprehensible, and a collective effort is needed for extensive relief.” Said Councillor Saeed Khan of Marrickville Council. Councillor Saeed Khan, who is also a Vice -Chair of the Ethnic Communities Council of NSW, grew up in the Hazara region of Northern Pakistan, the area worst effected by the earthquake.
“We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the acts of kindness and generosity extended by the broader Australian community so far.”
“However, the monumental effects of the quake are far-reaching and long lasting, and there is so much more we can all do.”
“The death toll is set to rise to 50,000, with many villages reduced to mass graveyards of rubble.”
“With 2.5 million homeless, and 1 million in need of urgent treatment, many are spending their fifth night in the cold. It is a race against time, and a struggle for survival.” Said Dr Shabbir Haider, President Urdu Society of Australia. PEACC has the ongoing support of NSW Local Government Association, the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW, and organisations from other communities.
“We are lucky to be living in such a great country – please help us help those in their time of misfortune.” Said Mr Bashir Malik of Kashmir Council.
Apheda 1800 888 674 or www.apheda.org.au
Caritas Australia 1800 024 413 or www.caritas.org.au
Care Australia 1800 020 046 or www.careaustralia.org.au
Fred Hollows Foundation 1800 352 352 or www.hollows.org
Oxfam 1800 034 034 or www.oxfam.org.au/donate
Red Cross 1800 811 700 or www.redcross.org.au
UNHCR Emergency Appeal 1300 361 288 or www.unrefugees.org.au
World Vision 13 32 40 or www.worldvision.com.au
Pakistan Australia Association 0401 053 748 or www.pakistan.com.au
Pakistan Diplomatic Mission in Australia 02 6290 1676 or www.pakistan.org.au
Enquiries: Councillor Saeed Khan 0414 698 634 or Bashir Malik 0419 508 257
Pakistan Earthquake Appeal Coordination Committee
Level 3/37 Queen St Auburn 2144
Ph: 02 9646 1530 (Shahid) Fax: 02 9749 7722
Supporting Organisations:
Kashmir Council, Pakistan Association of Australia, Urdu Society of Australia, Pakistan-Australia Association, Western Suburbs Islamic Association, Pakistan Medical Association, Ethnic Communities Council of NSW
