FETTE NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!! DA WAR DOCH WAS MIT AXIA UND RED CROSS????????????????
Bin sehr gespannt ob da was geht mit Axia!!!!
American Red Cross Provides US $10 Million to Boost Tsunami Housing in Sri Lanka
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Red Cross
announced that it will make a contribution of US $10 million to support
housing reconstruction in Sri Lanka through an owner-driven housing
program. The contribution will assist more than 3,000 tsunami-affected
families in repairing or rebuilding their homes.
"This program is going to have a dramatic impact on tsunami survivors,
helping them rebuild their homes and, ultimately, their lives," said
Ricardo Caivano, Senior Field Representative in Sri Lanka for the American
Red Cross Tsunami Recovery Program. "We look forward to working closely
with our partners and especially the beneficiaries as they return to
permanent houses, which is a vital step in their recovery."
The American Red Cross contribution will support the Community Recovery
and Reconstruction Partnership (CRRP), which is led by the Sri Lankan Red
Cross Society (SLRCS), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies and UN-HABITAT. Other partners in the CRRP include the
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the World Bank and Price
Waterhouse Coopers.
Under the CRRP, individuals whose homes were damaged or destroyed by
the tsunami will receive cash grants combined with technical support.
Through these grants, homeowners will be able to hire contractors directly
and purchase building materials. Funds will be transferred in stages, as
each phase of construction is evaluated by professional monitors to ensure
it is technically sound and meets local standards. In addition to grants,
homeowners will receive technical assistance in a number of areas,
including: construction, land disputes, disaster preparedness, water and
sanitation, and livelihoods.
"Through this program the Red Cross is providing immediate support to
homeowner reconstruction, while empowering beneficiaries in their own
recovery," explained Jagath Abeysinghe, President of the Sri Lanka Red
Cross Society. "This is the fastest and most effective way to rebuild
following the tsunami devastation."
As of October 2006, Red Cross partners have either fully funded or co-
financed the construction of 5,450 houses in Sri Lanka. 7,655 houses are
currently under construction and, by 2008, it is anticipated that the Red
Cross will have built, fully funded or helped to finance more than 20,000
homes.
"The Red Cross and its partners are helping survivors take an active
role in developing their community and basic infrastructure," said Al
Panico, Head of Delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies in Sri Lanka. "This is essential for a
successful and sustainable recovery."
In Sri Lanka, the American Red Cross is working with the SLRCS and
other partners to carry out tsunami recovery programs aimed to benefit more
than 420,000 people. In addition to housing, the American Red Cross is
focusing on areas such as clean water, psychosocial support, livelihoods
and disaster preparedness to ensure a comprehensive and long-lasting
recovery for tsunami survivors.
You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each
year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International
Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support
through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in
need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to
the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red
Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund,
P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure
online contribution by visiting
http://www.redcross.org. The American Red
Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a
specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.
SOURCE American Red Cross