ASSEMBLYMAN AND TAIWAN AMBASSADOR
CHANNEL TSUNAMI RELIEF THROUGH
BAPS Charities

On Friday, March 18, 2005, Assemblyman Jimmy Meng (D-Flushing) along with Ambassador Andrew Li-Yan Hsia of Taiwan announced a successful fundraiser to aid the Tsunami victims of Southeast Asia. They have selected BAPS Charities as the primary relief agency to direct this aid.

Recognizing the commitment of BAPS Charities to serve the world and Taiwan's extensive work in helping tsunami victims, Assemblyman Meng reached out to Ambassador Hsia and supported BAPS Charities to provide help in the wake of the Tsunami. This aid is a part of ongoing efforts to respond to long-term needs that will emerge over months and even years to come.

"We are grateful for Taiwan's willingness to continue to help-aid in the tsunami relief efforts. We are also especially thankful for BAPS Charities and their efforts in changing lives throughout the world for over 50 years. We know that people throughout our own Flushing community have been personally affected by this natural disaster and we hope these efforts will help in some way", stated Assemblyman Jimmy Meng. "The fundraiser has been a great success and will be a great step towards the improvement and rebuilding of the South Eastern Asian communities", he added.

Ambassador Hsia stated, "The people of Taiwan and those who live in Queens have been continuously reaching out. Five years ago we had an earthquake in Taiwan and the world reached out to us. It is an honor for Taiwan to have this opportunity to give back."

BAPS Charities has provided relief in more than 51 villages and 26 relief camps working in the hardest hit areas of Tamilnadu, Pondicherry and Andaman-Nicobar islands. Hot meals were served and thousands of families were provided with essential household goods. Through collaboration with other organizations, BAPS Care provided critical medical help to the people of Sri Lanka.

BAPS Charities is tirelessly working towards bringing economic rehabilitation and rebuilding communities, medical institutions and educational institutions in the affected areas.

Click here to know more about BAPS Charities' Tsunami relief efforts.