A new committee in Sligo is appealing for support for a coffee morning next Wednesday in aid of the victims of the recent earthquake in India.
All money raised for the India Disaster Fund will be divided equally between GOAL and Trocaire and a special account has been opened in the Bank of Ireland in Sligo for donations.
Committee member Sheila Doherty said the scale of the tragedy had prompted a number of local people to try to help. Aid agencies believe that up to 100,000 people died and 200,000 more were injured.
About 5 million children, half of them under 14, have lost either a family member or their home. Close to £5,000 had already been raised by people organising their own events. A golf classic is being held at Strandhill Golf Club and the Tubbercurry fire brigade held a race day.
It is hoped the coffee morning on March 21st will increase that figure substantially. It will take place at St Mary's Presbytery in Sligo from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Ms Doherty said they would encourage everybody to call in to make a donation. Tesco is sponsoring the event.
The President, Mrs McAleese, and the Indian charge d'affaires, Mr K.J. Sagar, had been due to attend but have had to cancel due to the foot-and-mouth crisis.
The account number of the India Disaster Fund at the Bank of Ireland, Stephen Street, Sligo is 78787878.