Development and Peace gives money to quake victims

By DEBORAH GYAPONG
Canadian Catholic News
Ottawa

The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace will provide $400,000 to earthquake victims in Pakistan and India thanks to generous public support.

On Oct. 8, Northern Pakistan and parts of India were devastated by an earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude. The death toll has exceeded 75,000 and is expected to reach close to 100,000 as winter sets into the mountainous region.

Development and Peace will send $200,000 to each country. This money is expected to help a total of 9,500 families with basic needs and shelter.

The emergency assistance phase will last through March 2006. Long-range reconstruction will continue through October 2008. In Pakistan, Development and Peace is working through its on-the-ground partner Caritas Pakistan.

Emergency and long-range assisted is earmarked for 5,500 families, among them 5,000 rural families who need their homes rebuilt, 500 families receiving hospital treatment in urban areas, and displaced people in temporary camps.

In India, Development and Peace is working through Caritas India to help 4,000 families from 12 villages with basic needs and shelter in the Uri and Baramulla regions.

In addition, the aid will help with schooling for 5,000 children and assistance for their parents in restoring their means of livelihood.

People can donate by calling, 1-888-664-3387, logging onto www.devp.org or by mailing a cheque marked Pakistan-Asia Earthquake to Development and Peace, 5633 Sherbrooke Street East, Montreal H1N 1A3.

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