Bangladesh-Haiti appeal

Rita Payne, Chair of the Commonwealth Journalists Association (UK) reports on a range of activities which are raising funds for survivors of the Haiti earthquake

If an average Bangladeshi were asked where Haiti is located only a handful would probably have the answer. Although Bangladesh and Haiti are on opposite sides of the world they have much in common. Both are amongst the poorest nations of the world and the people of Bangladesh, the victims of recurring floods and storms, are sadly all too familiar with the havoc caused by natural disasters.

Tommy Miah, a Bangladeshi restaurateur based in Edinburgh in Scotland, has joined forces with the UN World Food Programme, to urge Bangladeshi and Indian restaurants all over the world to organise fund-raising events to help survivors of the catastrophic Haiti earthquake.

Tommy Miah explains why he decided to act, “ My homeland, Bangladesh, knows the impact of natural disasters only too well. The world community has come to our aid many times in the not too distant past. There is no doubt that we should now show that we can give as well as take.”

“There are Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants in many countries throughout the world,” he said. “Not all will be able to make a major contribution but even a small amount, properly directed, can mean vital assistance.”

Tommy, who has a record of supporting charitable causes, is organising a range of activities across the UK as well as in Bangladesh too promote the Haiti appeal. One of the main events was a free dinner at his Raj Hotel in London with the Labour Member of Parliament, Jeremy Corbyn, as chief guest. Around a hundred guests turned up to enjoy a delicious meal and drinks provided by Tommy. In return guests were invited to donate generously to the appeal.

One of those present at the dinner was a Haitian woman who spoke graphically about her personal loss:

“We’ve lost quite a few family members. For example, my aunt, her brother, his wife and their kids whose bodies were recently recovered from their homes. My cousin’s father is still missing as well as various other friends and members of the family. I just want to let you know on a personal level how important this is to keep giving to Haiti and to keep helping them.”

Those at the dinner could not help but be moved by the account of her own suffering and that of hundreds of thousands of others in Haiti. There are more than 12,000 curry restaurants in the UK, 95% owned by people of Bangladeshi origin, mainly from the district of Sylhet.

Caroline Hurford, WFP spokesman in the UK, said any amount raised would make a significant difference.

“ We are hoping to feed 100,000 people in Haiti per day. We have the lowest overheads. Out of every pound that you give, 93 pence goes to the beneficiaries. We are seeking 279 million dollars. It seems a colossal amount but every little helps. Every child fed is a child kept alive.”

As another supporter of the appeal pointed out, one would expect some of the wealthier countries of the world to be supporting those who’ve suffered in this terrible way. But the idea that a poor country like Bangladesh, which in its history has suffered some terrible natural disasters, should open its heart in this way is especially inspiring.

Rita Payne,

Chair, Commonwealth Journalists Association (UK)

Posted by Rita Payne at Jan 26 2010 10:52AM