Lutherans Respond to Haiti Ferry Disaster

10/6/1997 12:00:00 AM



ACT RESPONDS TO FERRY DISASTER

Action by Churches Together (ACT) has provided $25,000 to aid families
affected by the Sept. 8 ferry boat disaster off Haiti.  A
diesel-powered ferry, arriving at Montrouis, capsized and sank.  Of
the estimated 276 passengers, only about 60 were able to swim to
shore.  The remaining passengers, trapped inside the ferry, were
drowned.  One hundred families on La Gonve island, families directly
affected and children who have lost both of their parents, have
received ACT-funded aid.  According to ACT, almost every village on La
Gonve has been affected.  ACT will provide uniforms, shoes, books,
school fees for children, clothing and bed linen to help relatives
care for orphaned children, assistance to widows to undertake income
generating activities, plus basic goods, transportation and
communication expenses for victims.  ACT is a worldwide network of
churches, including the Lutheran World Federation, meeting human need
through coordinated emergency response.  The Lutheran World Federation
is a worldwide communion of 122 member churches, including the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html

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