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Trent Students Respond to Earthquake in South Asia |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2005 University confirms no Trent students directly affected Trent University students have responded to the earthquake disaster in South Asia with calls for fundraising, both immediate and long term. Red Cross donation boxes have been set-up in the Bata Library, Trent International Program (TIP) Office, and college offices where cash donations can be made directly to the South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund. The Trent University community is being asked by students to donate generously to South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund. Two Trent students have spearheaded the initiative to raise awareness of the tragedy and to coordinate fundraising for the relief effort. Student-run organizations as well as University offices are being encouraged to make donations, which will be sent to the affected area throughout the course of the year. International students supported by the TIP Office are also asking members of the Trent community to consider donating items for a raffle to be held next week, to generate further funds. The Trent International Program (TIP) is currently contacting all Trent students whose families and friends may have been affected by the tragedy, to offer support and provide assistance. Trent's Counselling services are also available to address this and related concerns. To date, the University has confirmed that no Trent student's immediate families have been affected. The 7.6 magnitude earthquake largely affected Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Saturday morning, causing wide-spread destruction. According to the BBC's latest update, more than 30,000 people were killed in Kashmir, in one of the worst earthquakes to hit South Asia. A number of villages were entirely wiped out and rescue attempts have been difficult due to risky terrain, snow covered peaks and lack of bridges into the remote mountainous region. The earthquake's effect was felt in both the Indian and the Pakistani capitals some 700 kilometres apart. Other areas also affected included Indian administered Kashmir, India, and Afghanistan with casualties collectively numbering over a 1,300. Relief efforts in the affected region have been hampered by bad weather and rain, and to date in some remote areas, survivors are stuck outside in the cold and rain with no supplies. The one minute long earthquake with a 144 recorded aftershocks has caused untold damage. The UN is asking for $272m in aid to help the nearly one million people in dire need. - 30 - For more information please contact: Cynthia Bennett Awe, International and Programs Services Manager, Trent International Program, (705) 748-1300
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