Why support Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA?

PETER JENNINGS gives the case for supporting Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA.

In the past month Australians have shown their generosity by giving more than $200 million to the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster. However, with the wide variety of aid agencies on offer, donors often have difficulty deciding which one will provide the most effective and helpful assistance on the ground.

We are encouraging Australian trade unionists to make their donations through Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA's Tsunami Rehabilitation Appeal. Why? Firstly, unlike most aid agencies operating in Aceh and Sri Lanka, we are coordinating our emergency relief and reconstruction through existing local trade union structures and community networks. Delivering aid through unions also encourages the rebuilding of civil society -- a vital part of any development program.

Norwegian Peoples Aid (the aid arm of the Norwegian trade union movement) has more than 600 local staff in a de-mining project in north-eastern Sri Lanka. They are now focussed on delivering water, food, shelter and medical aid to heavily affected communities. APHEDA (along with the German, Swiss and Spanish trade union aid agencies) will contribute part of the funds raised to assist Norwegian Peoples Aid in their efforts in the emergency phase of this crisis.

APHEDA will provide assistance to the people of Aceh through the Indonesian Civil Society Coalition for the Victims of Earthquake and Tsunami. This grouping of local community, women's, human rights and environmental organisations are helping with the distribution of water, food and medicines, as well as helping bury the dead and trying to link up families who have been separated or lost. They are coordinating sending volunteers from other parts of Indonesia.

The trade unions of Indonesia have sent a medical team of three Indonesian doctors, several nurses and three hydro engineers. They are working in the western town of Meulaboh providing medical services to the people and cleaning wells and drinking supplies.

APHEDA is also making plans to assist with rebuilding and rehabilitation work.

Secondly, this agency is the most direct way union members have of establishing a connection with the people affected by this tragedy: Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is your aid agency, and reflects the values and ideas of your union. Giving aid through this channel will allow you to more closely follow progress of our projects, and over the long term may provide scope for you to get more directly involved. APHEDA will keep you informed about the progress of its projects.

Thirdly, Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is a small, efficient, low-cost aid agency that prioritises projects overseas rather than expensive bureaucratic and advertising operations in Australia. We are one of the most cost-effective non government organisations working in Australia. Peter Jennings is Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA's executive director.

How you can help

APHEDA has received more than $120,000 from individual donors and APHEDA has banked $410,000 from unions, with a further $200,000 from unions pledged.

Some workplaces had organised payroll deductions, which would also add to the donation tally.

For more information, contact APHEDA on 1800 888 674 or at www.apheda.org.au.

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005