Throughout the past year, untold thousands of people have perished because of catastrophic natural disasters. Americans as a whole have donated generously to relief efforts, but this is not enough. As individuals, we must make sacrifices in order to give more.
Most recently, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake killed over 50,000 people in South Asia, according to CNN. Relief organizations like the American Red Cross are stretched too thin, and they need more funding to help the people of South Asia and the Gulf Coast.
After last year’s tsunami in Southeast Asia, donors around the world gave $1.3 billion, according to The Washington Post. Similarly, $1.7 billion in charitable donations were raised after Hurricane Katrina.
According to the Post, numerous charitable organizations are reporting a far slower response to last week’s earthquake. By Oct. 12, four days after the quake struck, the Red Cross had only collected $45,000.
The Red Cross anticipates spending an extraordinary $2 billion for victims of Hurricane Katrina. In order to cope with this substantial relief spending, and to still be able to respond to future disasters, the organization desperately needs donations now.
But the Red Cross is not the only aid organization that badly needs help. Other relief agencies working in the area include CARE International, Catholic Relief Services and Doctors Without Borders. All are accredited and have historically provided effective disaster relief services.
While tens of thousands of people in South Asia and the Gulf Coast are dead and millions more homeless, Georgetown students are mostly unaffected. Everyone indulges in the occasional luxury good, whether it is a two-dollar cup of coffee or a $200 sweater.
Maybe, to honor the victims of these disasters, we might consider sacrificing a few luxury goods this winter and donating their value to worthy relief organizations.
Admittedly, the American economy is struggling to cope with soaring energy prices and the highest rate of inflation since the 1980s. It may be difficult for individuals to aid international disasters when they are fainting over prices at the pump, but they must find a way to afford both and still give to those in need.
The faculty, staff and alumni community should find a place for more charitable donations in their budgets.
Give your change to UNICEF when you buy a drink at the Midnight Mug. Get students to tell their parents about the situation and convince them to donate. The earthquake in South Asia is a reminder that the world never ceases to need compassion or humanity. It certainly does now, so give in any way you can.
