6th January 2005

Dear Headteacher

The whole world is reeling from the shock of the tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Thailand. Words can barely express the sorrow that all of humankind feels at this time. The response to the appeals made, however, is some indication of the deep compassion that has gripped us.

CAFOD and Mission Together, the two principal agencies for the Church’s global outreach, are coming together in a joint response to support relief and rehabilitation work in those areas most affected.

There are huge challenges in running an aid operation of this magnitude. In some areas the infrastructure has been completely destroyed and it is incredibly difficult to reach some affected areas. Both agencies are working through local networks and aid is now getting through. To keep up to date with developments, please visit our websites.

We have prepared suggestions for school assemblies for both primary and secondary schools and urge all our schools to respond as generously as possible.

CAFOD have prepared the materials for secondary schools and Mission Together similarly for primary schools. To help us speed up processing of the money raised please send secondary school donations to CAFOD and primary school donations to Mission Together. Any donations will be shared equally between Mission Together and CAFOD for their relief and reconstruction work.

The funds we receive will be used to provide food, clothing, drinking water, shelter and medical assistance, as well as pastoral support, all of which are helping people to rebuild their communities across the region immediately and for many years to come.

Please keep all those who are affected by this tragedy in your prayers.

With our grateful thanks for your support.

Registered charity no. 285776

Registered charity no. 1056651

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