York community rallies to support those affected by the Asian tsunami disaster

In response to the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunamis in Asia, York’s President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna R. Marsden has issued a special message:


“The recent terrible tragedy of the tsunamis in Asia has caused untold suffering and loss to the people of the Indian Ocean Rim countries. We are also deeply concerned regarding students, alumni, staff and faculty who have been directly or indirectly affected by this disaster. To these individuals, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts are with all the people of the region and with those bringing relief and aid so desperately needed. This week, York University and our community will explore ways to offer the expertise and knowledge of faculty, staff and students to support a meaningful response to this tragedy.”






 



 
Here are ways the York community can help or get involved: 


Memorial service for victims of tsunamis


A special memorial service will be held at York in Burton Auditorium on Thursday, Jan. 6, commencing at noon. The service is open to all members of the York community who wish to show their support for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami tragedy. Further details will be provided on the York Web site shortly.


Report any faculty, staff, students or alumni affected by the disaster


Administrators are making every effort to contact members of the York community who may have been in the region and or were affected by this disaster. Anyone with information regarding these members of the York community or their families is asked to contact the University directly at presidnt@yorku.ca.


Resources available at York


If you know of someone who may need additional assistance, resources are available to help at York.


      Counselling for York students is available through:  



  • The Counselling & Development Centre                      416-736-5297
  • The Atkinson Counselling and Supervision Centre       416-736-5225
  • Glendon Counselling & Career Centre                         416-487-6709
     

  • York faculty and staff interested in counselling services should contact Human Resources (Employee Well-Being Office) at ext. 55005.

      Other student assistance




  • Emergency Student Financial Aid is also available for those students affected by the tsunami.  For more information about emergency bursaries, please contact York International at 416-736-5177.


  • The location of a drop-in centre on campus, where students can come together for support, will be announced shortly. Visit the Student Community and Leadership Development Web site for more information.

Financial contributions


Those who wish to provide financial assistance to disaster relief may contact the following non-governmental organizations:


Canadian Red Cross: 1-800-418-1111
CARE Canada: 1-800-267-5232
OXFAM Canada: 1-800-466-9326
World Vision Canada: 1-800-268-5528
UNICEF: 1-877-955-3111
Doctors Without Borders: 1-800-982-7903
Save the Children: 1-800-668-5036


Tracing people in affected areas


Canadians trying to reach relatives or friends in the affected areas should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s Emergency Contact Centre at 1-800-606-5499.