MWR : MCC expands Asia appeal

Last updated November 24.

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Oct. 26, 2009 issue

MCC expands Asia appeal

AKRON, Pa. — In response to the needs of flooding and earthquake survivors in Asia, Mennonite Central Committee is increasing its appeal for donations to $250,000.

The additional contributions will allow MCC and its partners to respond to extensive flooding damage in southern India and Cambodia and to provide permanent housing for people in Indonesia, where earthquakes devastated entire villages.

Already included in the initial appeal, launched Oct. 2, is relief for flooding in the Philippines and Vietnam caused by Typhoon Ketsana. Short-term relief and temporary housing for Indonesian earthquake survivors were also included in the initial amount.

“The destruction, particularly in Indonesia and India, is enormous and for the most part has not been picked up by the media in Canada and the United States,” said Ron Flaming, director of international programs.

In India, MCC is working through the Mennonite Christian Service Fellowship of India to provide rice, lentils and blankets to families affected by flooding. Mennonite Christian Service Fellowship of India is a service and fellowship organization of the eight Mennonite and Brethren in Christ conferences in India. The fellowship’s relief effort is in the heart of the Mennonite Brethren area and is being implemented by MB churches.

In Indonesia, MCC will rebuild homes in the village of Guci, where about 95 percent of the homes were destroyed, and in the city of Padang. MCC’s partner, Mennonite Diakonial Service, the disaster response arm of the Muria Mennonite Synod, is providing health care, trauma healing exercises and locally purchased relief packets.

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