Irish people gave almost €75m for tsunami relief

Irish people have contributed almost €75 million to nine aid agencies which have been collecting money for tsunami relief since December 26th last. A further €20 million has been contributed by the Government.

The total death toll in the tsunami on St Stephen's Day in south-east Asia is estimated at 286,042. An estimated 417,000 people were made homeless.

As a tribute to the Irish aid agencies which organised tsunami relief, the grand marshals at yesterday's St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin were representatives of Goal, Concern, Trócaire and the Irish Red Cross.

The Catholic bishops' development agency Trócaire has raised the largest amount to date, at €27.19 million.

Of that, more than €20 million was raised in parishes throughout the island at weekend Masses last January. A further €7 million was collected through donations.

The Irish Red Cross raised €22 million, while the figure for Goal was €12 million.

The amount collected in Ireland by Concern was €5.2 million.

A further €12 million was raised by Concern Worldwide in the UK, but this has not been included in the overall Irish figure above.

The children's agency Unicef raised €2.4 million in Ireland for tsunami relief. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland raised €2.5 million, while Oxfam raised €1.86 million.

The Church of Ireland Bishops' Appeal, issued following the tsunami, raised €889,000, while World Vision International collected €100,000 in Ireland.

At a special reception in Áras an Uachtaráin on February 8th, held to thank Ireland's aid agencies for their work on tsunami relief, President Mary McAleese said: "in Ireland we have a strong perception of the role of non-governmental development organisations.

"We rely on you to swiftly assess the impact of disasters and conflicts worldwide and respond appropriately.

"And financial support for your efforts reflects the trust placed in you to do the right thing.

"You do what you do without thought for recognition or praise, but you richly deserve both," continued Mrs McAleese.

"Be proud of what you have achieved in the face of such an appalling tragedy. You brought hope and help," she concluded.