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Community Assists Tsunami Victims with Action and Prayers
Thankfully,
there have been no reports of injury or death among AU students, alumni,
or faculty due to the devastating tsunami that struck South and Southeast
Asia last month. Still, the AU community has shown its true international
colors of service and compassion.
As students and faculty returned from winter break, tsunami relief donation
cans, boxes, and signs joined the newspapers and flyers that usually adorn
dorms and academic buildings across campus. Just
a few days after the tsunami hit, a group called S.H.A.R.E., Students
Helping Asian Relief Efforts was established by SIS senior Gunjan Koul,
“for students who contribute their time or money—whatever
they can.” SHARE and the AU community have already coordinated events
and fund-raisers, bringing in more than $1,500. “We hope over the
course of the next three weeks to provide some immediate assistance to
the relief efforts… we also hope to instill some sort of drive in
students to continue with long-term efforts,” says Koul.
SHARE's
efforts have gotten notice - and cooperation from several others campus
groups:
• Thanks to on-campus caterer Bon Appetit, students were able
to donate the cost of a meal block plan to SHARE.
• The Red Cross Club plans to combine efforts and the money it
raises with SHARE.
• The AU Athletics Department teamed up with SHARE to help collect
donations during the past two weekend’s basketball games.
• The South Asian Student Association is planning a fundraising
party with Georgetown University to feature the South Asian comedian
Russell Peters. A portion of the profits will be donated to SHARE.
• Although not able to directly donate money, the Student Confederation
has provided logistical support to SHARE, providing room reservations,
overhead and advertisement costs.
SHARE’s
primary week of fundraising is January 28, where they will be tabling
at athletic and campus events. AU student Matt Miller will also entertain
students in the Davenport Lounge for an Open Mic Night then.
Members
of the AU community gathered for a service in Kay Spiritual Life Center
on Wednesday, January 12, to remember those lost in the tragedy.
For
more information about SHARE, contact Gunjan
Koul at 302-897-2551.
-Ashley
Ferrell ‘07
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