31.07.2017 ►JAINA ►Gujarat Flood Victims Relief Fund

Over the last weeks, the floods in Gujarat due to heavy rains and depression in the southeast, which moved from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, have played havoc with two million people directly affected; approximately 200 dead; 800 villages inundated; 200 villages without power; 17,000 rescued; 20,000 treated medically; 70,000 migrated; 112,000 evacuated to safety; and five national highways, 20 state highways and 945 roads closed to vehicular traffic. Clearly, this is just the beginning of a long road to recovery. As the waters recede, as infrastructure damage is assessed and addressed, there are going to be significant needs - of food, shelter, basic amenities, protection from water-borne diseases....the list is endless.

The rain has paralyzed infrastructure. Tens of thousands of cotton and millet farmers have been affected. Ahmedabad International Airport had to divert many flights due to flooded runways. More than 10,000 people were rescued in Ahmedabad alone. The rains have brought the life in Surat, Ahmedabad, Idar, and Valsad to a virtual halt. Chances are high that every one of us has family and friends who have been impacted. Our prayers are needed for all their safety and welfare, no doubt, but there is an even greater need to help.

JAINA World Community Service (WCS) is launching a fund for the victims of this unfathomable tragedy and ask the Jains of North America to contribute. The funds will be used for a humanitarian project that will be selected & executed against once the relief operations end and rehabilitation work begins.

As in the past, WCS always gets involved and provides a helping hand whenever and wherever a disaster strikes. Our volunteers work directly in the affected area to deliver aid, keeping in mind Jain principles. Our efforts are always directed towards projects with long term benefits like building a school, hospital, housing or a rehabilitation center.

Previously, with your support, we have raised over $80,000 for Nepal Earthquake $200,000 for the Tsunami victims, and $750,000 for the Gujarat earthquake. Jains in North America have always shown our generosity all over the world, as steadfast believers of "Jiv Daya" and "Ahimsa".

We recognize that various organizations have started similar relief funds and you may wonder why you should send your donations through JAINA:

• JAINA does not charge any administrative fee to the relief fund. 100% of the donations will go towards relief effort. In fact, JAINA volunteers and partners will volunteer their time and experience to the cause.
• Funds collected by JAINA will be spent in a completely non-violent manner keeping in mind the Jain way.

We request you to send your tax deductible (USA) contribution payable to JAINA, at World Community Services, 2060 Mother Well Ct. Oak Hill, VA 20171 or donate online: For further information or suggestions, please contact us.

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