Gov. Gregoire encourages donations for Asia Pacific disaster relief

For Immediate Release: November 9, 2009

SEATTLE � Gov. Chris Gregoire is reminding Washingtonians to remember those suffering from recent earthquakes in the Asia Pacific region, and is encouraging all Washingtonians to help support relief efforts still underway. The Samoan Islands continue to recover from a devastating tsunami generated by an 8.0 earthquake. A day later, a second powerful earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

�I am hearing from many local families who are desperately trying to help loved ones impacted by these tragedies,� Gregoire said. �Many are unable to get in touch with their families, but want to be assured that their loved ones are fully taken care of. During these difficult times, whether it�s an economic downturn or a natural disaster, we need to join together to help those in need, both emotionally and financially.�

Several local agencies, including World Vision and the Red Cross are collecting donations to purchase food, water and other supplies to help the region recover. Local community leaders are working with Samoa Health Mission to ensure communities are receiving medical support. And airmen from McChord Air Force Base recently transported a local Emergency Response Support team from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the area to help with relief efforts.

For more information on ways you can help, please visit:

� www.worldvision.org
� www.seattleredcross.org
� www.mercycorps.org/asiapacificdisaster
� www.unicef.org

To learn more about local community efforts, contact Ty Tufono at (206) 661-3030 or [email protected].