January 9, 2005 - 4:00pm
Malaspina University-College and the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society are teaming up to help victims affected by the earthquake and tsunamis that struck Southeast Asia on December 26, killing more than 150,000 people and leaving millions homeless.
A tsunami relief fundraising reception with light fingerfood with a distinct Asian flavour, donated by local restaurants, will be held Wednesday, January 19 at 6 pm in Malaspina's Centre for International Education (Building 255), Fourth Street, Nanaimo, followed by a concert featuring performances of a variety of musical pieces including Asian content by Malaspina and community players in the Malaspina Theatre at 7:30 pm.
All proceeds will be forwarded to the Canadian Red Cross to aid in the relief efforts in Southeast Asia. It is expected that the donations will be matched by the Government of Canada.
"All of us in the Malaspina University-College community would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends affected by the December 26 earthquake and tsunamis in Asia," said Malaspina President Rich Johnston.
"Many of us working and living in the Nanaimo area have visited and/or worked in various parts of the Southeast Asian countries devastated by this terrible tragedy. The people who survived, many of whom are now homeless, are innocent victims who desperately need our help.
"We're pleased to be working with the Central Vancouver Island Multi-Cultural Society, and I encourage everyone to help support these relief efforts," said Johnston.
Reservations are required for the tsunami relief fundraising reception and benefit concert, and can be made by telephone at 740-6103, or via email at benefit@viu.ca. A minimum donation of $25 per person is requested and can be paid by credit card; tax receipts will be issued later this month. Attendance is limited to 300 people.
In-person cash or cheque donations for the event will be accepted at Malaspina's downtown Foundation office, #114-59 Wharf Street, Harbour Front Plaza, or at the office of Malaspina's Vice-President, Administration (VPA), Building 300, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo.
Donors will be issued badges for entry to the January 19 event and can be picked up at the VPA office, or at the event itself.
At the reception, international students from Southeast Asian countries will make short speeches and feature displays about their countries.
For further information, please visit Malaspina's website at www.viu.ca/benefit, phone 740-6103, or email to:benefit@viu.ca.
Tags: In the Community
