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| Author | Topic: Tsunami - Aims and Objectives |
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Peter (Moderator) |
posted 2/24/05 6:53 PM
I have been asked to clarify the aims and objectives of the Charity. We have set up the Highbrook Tsunami Fund to help one small fishing community in Sri-Lanka rebuild their village life, by constructing new homes and providing boats, so they can get back to earning their own living as soon as possible. We think this will take about two years and expect to have to travel out there a couple of times a year. We intend to run the charity with little or no expenses, airflights etc to Sri-Lanka are self funded. To achieve this I am travelling out on Friday with 25 Kgs of basic medical supplies, arriving on Saturday, my sister lands 2hrs later from Singapore. We are being met by a Sri-Lankan business man who is very kindly putting us up for the night and then providing us with a car and driver to take us down to Hambantota to research that area, make contact with a village and hopefully set up a way of communicating with them in the future. The more e-mails I read from Sri-Lanka the harder the task seems to get, corruption seems to be endemic, and it is important to make sure all the money raised goes to the people who need it and nowhere else. Hopefully when I come back on the 19th I will have a much better understanding of the problems. Many thanks to Alison who is busy dealing with registering the Charity and to Phil who is looking after the accounts, the Bank Account is 'The Highbrook Tsunami Fund' a/c number 10020535 at sort code 60 10 26 Sujan Wickremaratchi who works for the Gucci Group in Burgess Hill is now helping us and all the money he raises is going to the fund. As a Sri Lankan, Sujan is committed to the recovery and regeneration of the disaster hit regions of Sri Lanka So far we have raised and been promised £7126.70. On top of this Jonathan Brown is arranging a Dinner for the Fund, Details as follows :- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: “Make an Effort” Charity Dinner to Raise Money for Tsunami Hit Region Brighton, East Sussex: Tickets for the “Make an Effort” charity dinner and auction on Saturday, 26 March 2005 will go on sale on Friday 4th February from a number of local businesses and at www.makeaneffort.co.uk The black-tie event, to be held in the Regency Suite of the Brighton Metropole Hotel, has a theme of “Smart Squires and Dazzling Dames” and promises to be a glamorous affair. The night will start at 7pm with a champagne reception, followed by a scrumptious four-course dinner and a presentation by The Highbrook Tsunami Fund. Next there will be an auction of a number of prizes donated by local businesses including a day of yachting with breakfast at The Royal Solent Yachting Club. The evening will be rounded off with music from local DJs, who have donated their services for free. All proceeds from the event will go to Sussex charity The Highbrook Tsunami Fund. The charity is sponsoring a Sri Lankan village in the region of Hambantota, once a beautiful district which was the southern gateway to the famous Yala National Park. However, the Tsunami has caused much devastation to the area; with the current official death toll lying at 4,500 many of those who were lucky enough to survive have nothing. The area's key form of industry, fishing, has suffered a severe blow – fishing boats have been washed up and equipment belonging to fishermen has been destroyed. The charity aims to help rebuild a specific village by providing money and other vital resources including equipment, food, and manpower. Established by Peter Browne in January 2005, members of the charity recognise that they and the people of Hambantota have a huge task ahead of them. “Although the effects of the Tsunami are evident, it’s not clear how long it will take for the victims to recover. Many people lost everything they had - their house, clothing; job; livelihood. Money donated by the Sussex community will go a long way in helping them to rebuild their lives” says Peter. Event organiser Jonathan Brown says "When I came back to work after Christmas I felt strongly that I should do something to raise money towards the Tsunami disaster. I came up with the idea of organising a charity dinner and asking Brighton companies to donate products and services which could then be auctioned off.” "It's only been a few days and the response has been truly unbelievable - we've already received many offers of support from companies and individuals, keen to do their bit. I hope that the event will be a lot of fun and will raise plenty of money for the appeal." If you are interested in attending the event tickets for individuals or full tables can be bought directly from the organiser and also from Au2, 27 Meeting House Lane, Brighton. If you are a local business and would like to support the event, either by donating goods or services for the auction or by sponsoring a table, please contact Jonathan Brown on 07976 608857. ABOUT THE ORGANISERS Jonathan Brown Jonathan Brown is 36 years old and works for ADA Computer Systems Ltd, based in Burgess Hill. Jonathan is committed to making the world we live in a better place to live and hopes that this will be the first of many such fund-raising activities. Peter Browne Peter Browne is 57 years old and is a silversmith and ex airline pilot. Peter is passionate about improving the lives of people in countries poorer than our own. Sujan Wickremaratchi Sujan Wickremaratchi is 43 years old and works for the Gucci Group. As a Sri Lankan, Sujan is committed to the recovery and regeneration of the disaster hit regions of Sri Lanka. CONTACT INFORMATION: For additional information including details on where to purchase tickets or tables for the event, how to donate prizes for the auction and a complete list of prizes contact: Jonathan Brown on 07976 608857 or visit www.makeaneffort.co.uk For further information on the Hambanota region and how your efforts can make a difference contact: Peter Browne on 01444 892746. For further information of the efforts so far, to make donations and to purchase tickets contact: Sujan Wickremaratchi on 07966 007683. This dinner should raise between £5000 and £10000 for the fund Some of the items promised for the Auction so far :- A DAYS SAILING FOR EIGHT ON A 41' YACHT Meet at the Royal Solent Yacht Club for breakfast. Then spend the day sailing across to the Isle of Wight for Lunch. Return to the River Hamble To action this prize contact Don Walker on 01444 892022 A DAY’S SAILING FOR FOUR ON A 34’ YACHT. Spend a day with George Ehlers sailing his 34’ Sadler. Start, bright and early, at Warsash, on the Hamble, and sail to the Isle of Wight and back. George is that rarity - a calm, sensible sailor who doesn’t shout. He was short-listed for the Olympic team many moons ago and now sails, and races, for a hobby. To action this prize, simply telephone George Ehlers on –01444 254246 FOR THE DRESSAGE ENTHUSIAST Spend a day with Barbara Ehlers – British Dressage Official Judge. Barbara was, for five years, Chairman of British Dressage for the South of England. She will take you to a national or local competition (its up to you) and you will spend a few hours sitting with her, as her assistant, whilst she officiates as a judge at a dressage competition. An unrivalled opportunity for anyone, over the age of 16, who is fascinated by the art of dressage. Judging days are limited – so you would need to be fairly flexible on dates. To action this prize, simply telephone Barbara Ehlers on 01444 254246. SILVERSMITH TUITION for TWO PEOPLE You will have a full day’s tuition in Peter’s fully equipped studio near Haywards Heath, Sussex. Inclusive of coffee, a simple lunch and sufficient silver to make something lasting and beautiful to take home with you. Its great fun and you will be amazed at what you will achieve. To action this prize, simply telephone Peter Browne on 01444 892746 WEEKEND FOR TWO IN A SELF CONTAINED ANNEX, Nr FARNHAM Fully equipped annex with double bed, TV etc in a lovely area Many thanks to all of you who have given me so much help and encouragement PETER |
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