 Pres. Friedrich"Sam" Fauma & Rtn. Michael Massey, Chairperson of International Services joined in with a group of Volunteers to deliver three truckloads of food and supplies to an area just north of Khao Lak. I want to share with you what I consider to be an exemplary effort by the civil authorities in concert with the general public, the military, and the private sector.
It would appear that the situation is very much under control and being managed effectively. One of the drivers in our group was Brigadier-General James Baxter, who is holidaying in Phuket. BG Baxter is the senior British military officer in Kuwait, and from there is controlling the British forces in Iraq.
I sought his opinion of the current situation and what would be the best use of our energies. In his opinion, the aftermath is being managed as well as might be expected anywhere. We discussed how people can best support from this point on. One fact is that so many people are crying out to offer support, and that we must take some leadership to ensure that their well intentioned support is utilised effectively, and does not replicate support from others – thereby diluting resources.
From my observations, and the input of a large number of people who have been actively involved over the last week – it seems to me that as a club, our focus could be best oriented now, towards preparing for the mid and long term requirements. At this time these needs are unclear. I would see our role as filling the gaps that the government and other agencies miss in the coming months.
To this end, I respectfully suggest that we direct the majority of our efforts to actively seeking funds to carry out these future works. There will be short-term requirements from some local areas, but there are many, many other organisations who are stepping in to fulfil these needs. I feel that the coffin-building going on at ESP is work that needs to continue, but judging from the number of semi-trailers delivering shelter, food, and clothing to the region yesterday, I firmly believe that our energy is now best spent in seeking funds to support the re-building of our community.
Our ability to recover swiftly will place us in a position to then assist more substantially the other persons and communities affected in the region. Your views and comments appreciated.
Kind regards, Rtn. Michael |
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Follow Up: Donors | Relief Efforts | Scholarships (under construction)