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National
Federation of
PRESS RELEASE August 30, 2005 Contact:
The National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), an umbrella organization of various other associations representing Americans who trace their roots to India has launched a campaign to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina that has caused havoc in the Gulf States. All funds collected will be handed over to the American Red Cross and other charities. “Images on television of helicopters plucking frantic survivors from rooftops, the catastrophic destruction of entire towns left in the path of powerful hurricane that has caused the loss of life of thousands of people and made hundreds of thousands homeless in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are bound to affect every human being,” observed Rajen Anand, president of the NFIA. “The hurricane Katrina’s howling, lethal force has dealt an immense blow to the region and the dimensions of destruction are unfathomable,” he added. The NFIA which took the initiative to help the victims of the deadly Tsunami in Asia and raised funds for the rehabilitation of the survivors in December last year, immediately launched a campaign to raise funds for the devastating hurricane victims. “We cannot sit and do nothing,” said Radha Krishnan, the president-elect of the NFIA. “People have no homes left, no electricity and no drinking water. The Red Cross and other agencies helping the victims are running out of funds. We need to help these agencies.” “Remember, this is our country which has provided bread and Butter to all of us, who have migrated here for a better life. We indeed have a better life now to "care and share" of those who are in desperate need now,” reminded Rateebhai Patel, a former joint secretary of the NFIA. “Indo-Americans are kind hearted and generous people. I am sure they will rise to the occasion and open their wallets to help hurricane victims, just as they did to help the Tsunami victims,” predicted Pramod Kamdar, the NFIA executive vice president. The NFIA plans to reach out its member associations: the Federation of Indian Community Associations (FICA) in Cleveland, the Federation of Indo-American Associations in Los Angeles, the Federation of Indian American Associations of the National Capital Region, the League of Indian Associations in Detroit MI, Federation of Indian American Associations of New England and other local umbrella organizations in other States and ask them to raise funds for this noble cause. It also plans to make an appeal through the media to all other citizens and residents to contribute funds for hurricane victims. “We will also work cooperatively with other national organizations like the Association of Physicians from India (AAPI) and seek their help to provide medical teams for stricken areas,” said Anand. He said that NFIA was also seeking the assistance of the media to disseminate this request for funds. The Tax deductible checks payable to the NFIA-Hurricane Relief Fund should be sent to NFIA 6912 Winter Lane, Annandale VA 22003. Further information can be obtained by calling (703) 642-3156. |