Sharm Relief
Following the devastating terrorist attacks in the Egyptian tourist hub of Sharm Elshiekh, Pray4Peace.org (a Massachusetts incorporated non profit organization) set up a fundraiser called Sharm Relief at SharmReleif.com.
Word circulated quickly through a network of blogs comprising of both Egyptian and non Egyptian writers. Donations at SharmRelief.com have now exceeded 20,000 LE and a special account has recently been set up in Egypt through the Egyptian Red Crescent to collect local donations as well.
Donations have come from every corner of the globe and here is what a few of the donors had to say.
I rode my bicycle from Jerusalem to Cairo last autumn and spent a lot of time on the Sinai coast, as well as in the desert with Bedouin. I have nothing but happy memories of the kind people I met there, and feel terribly that they have to bear the brunt of this latest stupidity.
-Micah
It's the least I can do in these times for the people involved considering all the friendship they have shown me in my visits. Also coming from London, I appreciate the sense of loss, but understand the need to hold firm and resilient.
-Simon.
Why did I choose to donate? What the terrorists did was evil but there is not much that I can do about their acts. I can't do anything to ease the pain of those who lost a loved one to their evil acts. What I can do is provide a little help so that a poor family doesn't sink as far into poverty due to the loss of the breadwinner for their family.
-Richard
Many have donated time and skill as well. All of the legal advice comes from a New York attorney, Zoss from Zosome made the Banners (which are available here in HTML), renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Nabil Elsahy has signed on to perform three cases to be elected by the Red Crescent and dozens more have volunteered their time and effort to the organization of private fundraisers due in the coming weeks.
Bloggers from Orientalism and Nouri, Expats in Australia and New Haven respectively, to Miss Mabrouk and Athena proudly have the banners up linking to SharmReleif.com.
