Boxing Day 2004 will forever be linked to the Indian Ocean tsunami which killed 226,000 people.
The second largest earthquake ever recorded triggered the disaster which affected millions across 13 countries. Eight minutes of tremors left a legacy of destruction that was to take years to clear-up.
‘Blessed are those who have regard for the weak,’ says Psalm 41:1 and the reaction of supporters and churches across the UK was swift and generous. Donations enabled us to start relief operations through local partners and local churches in affected countries.
Some 300,000 people received emergency aid, such as food, water, clothing and hygiene kits. Attention then turned to long term rehabilitation and reconstruction of devastated communities, e.g. homes and livelihoods.
Tied in with this was work to reduce the risk of future disasters and helping people prepare for the worst.
Over the last five years, your money has enabled us to restore lives, independence and dignity. Above all, by providing for the material and spiritual needs of survivors, your generosity has given people hope.