HELP  FROM  NEW   ENGLAND                                    

                                                                                      to  GALLE,  SRI LANKA

Dear Friends,

 

On Sunday morning, December 26th, a tsunami reached the shores of Galle, Sri Lanka and struck without warning. Reverend Asami of Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order, working on top of the Galle Peace Pagoda, had a bird’s-eye view of the bay. “Suddenly all the water disappeared, leaving the fish flapping on the bay floor. Children, fascinated, ran out to gather the fish. Fifteen minutes later a wall of water washed them and most of the historic port town of Galle away. The devastation was like nothing ever experienced before. Everything lies in ruin.”

 

In response to this overwhelming destruction experienced by millions of people in several countries, the New England Peace Pagoda at Leverett Massachusetts, the Grafton New York Peace Pagoda, Noonday Farm,  Agape Community, House of Peace  and friends want to reach out to help the people of Galle.

 

We spoke on the phone with Rev. Asami proposing to help rebuild a school, thinking this might be a good way to help our own children become involved. He contacted the elementary school near the Pagoda with our proposal. They are very heartened and encouraged by our concern.  But they asked if first, we would also help their damaged health clinic, as health needs are so critical. The tsunami has knocked out the whole first floor, which held all the medical supplies.

 

Our initial goal to raise 1,000 units of $20 each  ($20,000) and to collect it as soon as possible so that we can deliver the funds to Rev. Asami who will be able to deliver all donations directly for rebuilding the health clinic and school.

 

We share this appeal with you to ask if you would donate one or more units of $20 each. No contribution is too big or too small. Groups of people – students in classrooms, study groups, youth groups, office workers, house mates, exercise groups, churches, etc. - can pool their resources together to make one or more units.

As time is of the essence, if you are going to send a unit, please do so as soon as possible. Checks may be made out to Noonday Farm/Haley House, Inc.. (Haley House, Inc. is a 501-c3 non-profit. Tax exemption receipts available. ) Checks may be mailed to:  Noonday Farm,  Box 71,  Winchendon Springs,  MA   01477

 

In February 2005, the monks and nuns of Nipponzan Myohoji , Bob Jennings of Noonday Farm , and other lay people will be traveling to Galle for the Inauguration ceremony of Galle Peace Pagoda. They will bring additional moneys plus book bags from New England School children. We invite all who can, to join us in spirit with your donations of one or more units of $20 each.

 

Please know in your deepest heart, your support will boost the spirits and encourage the hearts of the people of Galle. Your support, modest as it may be, will send the message to the suffering people, that they are not forgotten, that we anguish with them for their loss, and that we are with them as they go about the egregious task of rebuilding their lives.. Step by step. Every step a prayer. Every step a miracle! Please share this appeal with all kind hearts and willing souls.

 

 

 

Blessings, with deepest  gratitude for your offering,

 

Beth Ingham, Massachusetts (978) 297-1148  

Jacqui Gemme, New York  (518) 377-1338

 

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