Project Spotlight

Welcome to Givewell's Project Spotlight. Each month we highlight a project for which a charity is currently seeking funds. We also provide details on how to give directly for this project.

Project description:

The massive earthquake, registering 8.9 on the Richter Scale, struck off Northern Indonesia on Boxing Day, 26 December 2004, resulting in tsunamis across the Bay of Bengal and causing massive loss of lives in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Maldives and South India. Caritas Australia has already committed funds for relief efforts but says that additional funds are still urgently needed. Funds donated to help the victims of the earthquake appeal will be used in the immediate future to provide water, sanitation, food, shelter and medicines. Then further funds will be needed to help with rebuilding.

Caritas Australia believes that for the goals of long-term development to be achieved, a community must make its own decisions about its future. While development projects are co-ordinated by the Church, assistance is given irrespective of religion, political belief or ethnicity. Caritas is already established in the region affected by the disaster and played a key role in rebuilding East Timor.

Can donors/grant makers give directly for this project? Yes

If so, how?

1. Telephone (toll-free number) 1800 024 413
2. Donate securely online
3. Mail Post cheque or money order made payable to "Caritas Australia" with Asia Earthquake Appeal marked clearly on the back of the cheque.
   Address:
   Caritas Australia
   GPO Box 9830
   In your Capital City
4. Direct Deposits National Australia Bank and Commonwealth Bank branches are able to accept donations for Caritas Australia's appeal.
   National Australia Bank account details:
   Account Name: Caritas Australia Asia Earthquake Appeal
   BSB: 082 401
   Account Number: 57-901-2958
   Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia
   Account Name: Caritas Australia - Asia Earthquake Appeal
   BSB Number: 062-217
   Account Number: 10464976
5. Fax or post a credit card donation form
   Download the credit card donation form and return to Caritas Australia via fax or post.
   Download a donation form

Is there an allowance for administration costs? Yes.

If so, how much? Caritas Australia sends 92% of each dollar given during an emergency to their partners in the affected areas.

Contact details for further information: Debra Way on 0414 880 475 or the Caritas Australia media information line on 0419 429 557.