;

28th December 2004

All those who have been tragically affected by the earthquake and tsunami, which has hit so many countries, are in our thoughts and prayers.

Half of the world's 28 million Scouts live in the affected countries, and we know that they will be involved in the recovery work.

You will want to know how you can help. We suggest financial donations for immediate emergency relief work should be made to the "DEC Tusami National Appeal" Please see www.dec.org.uk for details of how to help.

Additionally, the World Scout Organization of the Scout Movement is accepting donations which can be used to fund specific projects of the Scout organizations affected. These may be projects to re-start and re-equip Scout groups, or to support projects to help affected communities. Contributions for this purpose can be made by credit card:

http://www.scout.org/donate/index.shtml

For ideas on how to help our members think about their response to these natural disasters, as part of our programme, download the fact sheet FS260026: Responding to Natural Disasters.

Later, we shall be looking at ways in which Scouting in the UK can help longer term. Your ideas on this, and any other comments, will be very welcome.

David Bull
International Commissioner