What is the goal of International Rescue's next mission to Aceh, Indonesia?
The goal of the upcoming mission to Aceh is to transport and deliver one or two donated fire trucks, 20,000 pounds of donated fire/safety equipment, and one small rapid response vehicle purchased by International Rescue through monetary donations. Furthermore, to offer food and basic hand tools to those without. We are working with and providing funding for Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam Banda Aceh to develop and implement a rescue/fire training program.
What does International Rescue need in order to accomplish this goal?
The monetary needs for this mission are a total donation of at least $64,200 U.S.D.
For what will the 64,200 dollars be used?
The 64,200 dollars will be used to purchase one small rapid emergency response vehicle, and deliver that vehicle, along with one donated fire truck and 20,000 pounds of donated fire/safety equipment, to Banda Aceh, Indonesia. All overhead costs for International Rescue personnel are being paid for by PREP Services International. This means that 100 percent of the $64,200 contribution goal will go toward the purchase of the rapid response vehicle, and the delivery of all apparatus and equipment to the people of Banda Aceh.
Why does International Rescue seek to donate and deliver this equipment to the people of Banda Aceh, Indonesia?
Even to the seasoned crew of International Rescue, the situation in Aceh is overwhelming and inconceivable. As of our late-January departure, the Aceh Province had approximately 300,000 people dead or missing. We have also learned that out of over 1,400 fire/rescue personnel, only 4 survived the Tsunami. Most of these fire/rescue workers were struck down while responding to rescue earthquake victims. Further complicating the enormous loss of life suffered by the Aceh Fire Service, they have only 2 fire trucks left in working order. We mourn the loss of our fellow rescue personnel, whatever their nationality, and we strive to offer any possible assistance to the loved ones and comrades they left behind.
What are International Rescue's current, long-term restoration projects in Aceh, Indonesia?
Our long term restoration goals are to provide for the construction and support of an Aceh ethnically-centered and locally controlled orphanage for those children whose parents have not yet been located since the Dec. 2004 Tsunami. Providing computers, communication equipment, financial support and resources to professors at Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, in creating the first locally designed and operated grief counseling and support services. And finally, the establishment of a fire-rescue training program to provide the citizens with adequate fire protection and emergency response services.
In addition, we will provide for the establishment of a brick factory in Aceh. This factory will be staffed and managed by the local population. The intent is to provide jobs for persons displaced and unemployed as a result of the tsunami. Furthermore, it will provide desperately needed building material for the reconstruction of homes and businesses.
The personnel of International Rescue invite everyone, whatever their vocation, nationality or religion, to pray for the victims of this terrible disaster.
To those whose grave can never be visited…To their families and friends who mourn their loss…To those still searching for their loved ones…To our fellow rescue personnel who dedicated their lives that their community would be safe…And to the World's sons and daughters who find themselves far from their homes, as they struggle to bring hope to the victims of this catastrophic event…Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Imagine Their Despair - Contribute to Their Hope
Assalamualaikum - Peace and Safety to you,
The staff of International Rescue.
