Java Earthquake Appeal

UPDATE: 06 August 2006

On behalf of John Hampson a big 'Thank You' to everyone for their donations. £255 was raised towards the appeal.

The money was directed to two local organisations on Jogyakarta - Wisma Bahasa and Humanitarian Center - Jogja Bangkit to buy relief items such as tents, medical aid, food etc. Visit their websites if you'd like to see more details fo their work.

All together, from several sources, John and Megan have raised more than £1000.

The 6.3 magnitude quake hit the ancient city early on Saturday. The region is close to the volcano Mount Merapi which has been active for some weeks.

Over 6000 people were killed and around 200,000 were left homeless. A UN official said that hospitals were struggling to cope with the number of injured.

BBC News Report

John is fine but is now spending time helping with the relief effort.

John said "The main focus so far has been emergency supplies and there have been donations of tarpaulins, rope, sleeping mats, torches, batteries, kerosene lamps, medicines, rice, dried noodles, oil, crackers, baby milk, etc."

The relief workers have been in contact with two organisations who are helping the victims, one is the language school where they are studying and the other is an aid-post manned by a coalition of student unions, trade unions and small organisations.

John added "If you can possibly make a contribution to these organisations which are helping the survivors it could make a huge difference. Because of the strength of the pound compared to the Indonesian Rupiah, even a small donation will go a long way."

Glossop Parish Church have set up an account which will channel any donations to the above organisations.

If you can help, please make cheques payable to "Glossop Parish Church - Java A/c". If you are unable to hand your donation in at church, you can also hand it in at the Glossop Chronicle office, 18 High Street West, Glossop, SK13 8BH, in an envelope marked Java Appeal.

Thank you.