Tsunami Relief from SAU community

Feb. 10, 2005
By Christina Neumiller
Staff Writer

On Dec. 26, 2004, people’s lives in Indonesia and the surrounding islands were washed away with the receding ocean. Homes were destroyed and lives were changed forever from a tsunami that devastated the coastal region. Since then, millions of people all over the world have been helping out any way they can.

It touched America’s shores as well. Houses weren’t washed away, but hearts opened. Millions of dollars have been donated from all over the world for tsunami relief.

It’s what, “We’re called to do as Christians,” the director of Campus Ministry, Maureen McGrain said.

Even with campus closed for winter break, Campus Ministry raised $885 to give to Catholic Relief Services, who then donated the money to tsunami relief.

Faculty and staff were sent e-mails inviting them to donate any amount they thought were necessary. Amounts from $5 to $100 were collected.

“College students don’t have a lot of money – disposable income,” McGrain said. She urged that whatever students can donate would certainly be helpful.

There are no places to donate right now on campus, but there are activities going on to raise money to send to organizations for tsunami relief.

Pax Christi will take up a collection on Super Bowl Sunday to give to local soup kitchens. It’s known as the Super Bowl of Caring sponsored through Churches United. This time half of the money will go toward tsunami relief.

“This is a way locally to give back globally,” the advisor for Pax Christi, Paul Foley said.

The St. Ambrose Campus Activities Board took up a change collection during Club Fest to donate toward tsunami relief.

On March 21 and 22 during Fast Fest, Foley said they are talking about giving the money raised to Catholic Relief Services.  He said he’s hoping for at least $1000 to $1500 dollars to be raised.

“There’s still a need…we did the initial piece,” McGrain said.

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