December 30, 2004

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Catholics encouraged to assist victims in Asia

         Catholics in the Archdiocese of Portland are being encouraged to contribute to the relief efforts for victims of the tsunami in Asia.  Catholics are encouraged to contribute to a special collection in their local parish, which will be forwarded to Catholic Relief Services, the international relief agency of the Catholic Church in the United States.  Catholic Relief Services was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States.

         Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has made an initial commitment of $500,000 to provide shelter and healthcare needs for the thousands devastated by the earthquake in Indonesia and the tsunami which followed.  CRS and its local partners immediately began providing food and emergency relief in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Indonesia.  The funds collected in the Archdiocese of Portland will assist Catholic Relief Services in providing disaster relief to the thousands of people affected by this disaster.

         Anyone wishing to assist Catholic Relief Services disaster relief in Asia may send donations to:
Catholic Relief Services
PO Box 17090
Baltimore, MD 21203-7090
Memo line: Tsunami Emergency

Or call:  1-877-435-7277
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