January 12, 2005 - St. Lucie County Employees Open Asia Relief Fund Accounty for Tsunami Victims in Sri Lanka

The devastation caused by the recent earthquake and resulting tsunamis in South Asia and East Africa have left hundreds of thousands in dire need of help. St. Lucie County employees have again come together to help by setting up a relief account to accept donations for the victims of this disaster. The "BOCC Asia Relief Fund" was established at Riverside National Bank and donations can be made at any St. Lucie County location. In less than one week, employees have deposited over $1,000 into the relief account.

St. Lucie County has two employees, Muthu Peter of Public Works and Swendy Ariyanayagam of Code Enforcement, who have relatives in Sri Lanka that were directly affected by the tsunami. Donations will provide immediate aid to their families and fellow community members in Trincomalee. Funds will be transferred via electronic transfer directly to the St. Vincent DePaul's Church in Sri Lanka. The first wire transfer will take place on January 18, and subsequent donations will be transferred as funds are deposited. This will ensure the donations are disbursed as needed for emergency medical assistance, food, potable water and necessary health and personal items including blankets, clothing and temporary shelter. Checks should be made payable to "BOCC Asia Relief Fund."

For more information, call Paul Hiott or Eileen Cullinan-Hagerhorst at (772) 871-5416 or Linette Trabulsy at (772) 462-1791.