January 3rd, 2005 - Jon

Those of you who read my stuff will know I tend to write about events that are big in the news at time of writing. So, if you've made the educated guess I'll be writing one about the horror of the events in South East Asia, you'd be right. I was going to post up a series of pictures of the earthquake/tsunami, but after seeing the detail the photographs go into, I deemed it unsuitable. When you were opening your presents on Christmas morning, did the thought of hundreds of thousands of people suffering even cross your mind? The death toll across India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and all areas surrounding stands at around 150,000, at time of writing. The countries have stopped counting now. The final toll will not be known. Aside from the initial number, the amount of disease the disaster has caused is expected to kill double the initial figure in the next few years. How would you like to do something generous to kick start a new year of hope? I have donated a total of just under £15, to a special charity with profits going to send over aid to the suffering people. With the world already donating around £700,000,000 it may not sound much. But £1 can buy a bottle of drinking water for the needy. £7 can buy a tablet to clense and filter water if need be. With £15, I know I have given people in need of help, just what they need. Just £50 is needed, and a new hut suitable for accomodation can be set up, made of sheets of zinc and supporting materials. If you haven't already donated, please do so. Please visit www.dec.org.uk, or call +44 (0)8706060900. Thank you.