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January 26 Marks One Month since the South Asia Tsunami
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Red Cross
 
January 26, 2005

WHO:
American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter
Mercy Corps
Northwest Medical Teams
Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI)
Corbett Elementary School
Camp Fire USA
Friends of the Children

WHAT:
(1) Thanking youth for their support of tsunami relief
(2) Informing them about international humanitarian relief
(3) Reinforcing how lives can be saved when people know what to do when an earthquake happens

January 26 marks one month since the tsunami hit South Asia and the 305th anniversary that a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami struck Oregon. The earthquake occurred on January 26, 1700 at 9:00 p.m. and according to scientists, more than 20 earthquake/tsunami events have affected Oregon in the past 10,000 years.

This event provides an opportunity for collaboration between the three humanitarian organizations in Portland. The community will be thanked for their support – particularly schools and children. Many schools have organized fundraisers, such as penny and bottle drives, raising an impressive amount of money for tsunami relief.

They will also learn what each relief organization is doing in South Asia to help residents recover.

Through working with youth, the Red Cross has had a greater success rate in preparing communities because they often lead change in households when it comes to safety.

Groups will receive Game Plan – a locally developed Red Cross educational card game about preparing for and responding to disasters and emergencies. When players answer questions correctly, they receive resources to survive disasters. Earthquakes and tsunamis are two of the 15 disasters highlighted in the game.

Thanks to a grant from the Collins Foundation, Game Plan is available to schools and after school programs at no charge.
Schools and after school programs can contact (503) 528-5633.

WHERE/WHEN:
Wednesday, January 26, 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Corbett Elementary visits the Red Cross
3131 N. Vancouver Ave.
Presentation to 70 kids

Wednesday, January 26, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Presentation to Camp Fire USA
Marysville Elementary
7733 SE Raymond
13 to 15 kids participating

Wednesday, January 26 throughout the day
Julie Flues from the Clatsop County Red Cross will begin distributing 750 Game Plan card games to students in Astoria, Seaside, Warrenton, Jewell and Napa

Thursday, January 27, 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Presentation to Friends of the Children
44 N. Morris Street
10 to 40 kids participating