Press Releases15 Sep 04

'Let's go out of our way for Orissa'

'LETS GO OUT OF OUR WAY FOR ORISSA'

Hundreds of children in the Church of Ireland Diocese of Derry and Raphoe will be going out of their way over the next few weeks to help families in the East Indian state of Orissa which was devastated in October 1999 by the most powerful cyclone in India's recent history.

The Lets go out of our way for Orissa Diocesan initiative, in association with Christian Aid, will be launched by Bishop Ken Good in Saint Augustine's Church Hall, Londonderry on Thursday, 23 September 2004 at 10.30am.

Albert Smallwoods, Derry Diocesan Bishops Appeal Representative, said: "This is about showing our concern in a practical way for people in Orissa who are suffering the devastating effects of the most powerful cyclone in India's history. We hope this project will have a life changing impact enabling families to rebuild their homes, schools and their livelihoods."

Deborah Doherty, NI Co-ordinator for Christian Aid, who has visited Orissa, said: "More than 50,000 people lost their lives when the cyclone struck and more than 10 million people were left homeless. Funds raised from this special appeal will contribute to the building of cyclone shelters, supply of rescue and first aid kits, the planting of banana and coconut trees and the provision of goats to help generate income for the women of the villages."

BBC Broadcaster, Mark Carruthers, who visited Orissa with Christian Aid six months after the disaster, will help launch the initiative.

And Albert Smallwoods will be bringing along a real live goat to emphasise the importance of the animal to Orissa villagers. Said one villager in Kendrapara: "We have never had milk before for the children to drink. Now when we sell the young goats we have our own money to buy medicines, school books and even clothing. It is the first time in our lives to have anything like this thanks to the goats."

At the launch children from the diocese will sing some of their favourite songs.