from the Surf Travel Company:
The natural disasters that have occurred in both Samoa and Indonesia recently have devastated many lives for ever. There are various aid programs that are in place for donations including Australian Red Cross who have a Pacific Tsunami Appeal, and Surf Aid International who have launched an Emergency Response Appeal to help the people of Padang.
The regions that have suffered this recent turmoil are key surfing destinations, frequented regularly by Australian surfers. Water supply and electricity are still down and communications remain difficult. The immediate needs of water, food and shelter remain high priorities.
Surfers are traditionally the first to re-visit any regions adversely affected by disaster. In communicating with several operators on the ground in Padang and Samoa, we have been advised that, although monetary donations are always needed, assistance in the form of volunteers would be invaluable in the rebuilding of their affected communities. As such, the Surf Travel Company would like to stimulate and assess the interest of its customers who may wish to donate some of their time and expertise to assist in re-building affected areas for the benefit of all.
We envisage organising a 7 to 14 day (possibly longer) trip to affected areas to assist in specific volunteer Relief and Rebuilding projects (to be advised). After speaking with airlines, operators etc we anticipate there will be minimal cost to volunteers, other than their time and cost of incidentals. Accommodation will be in temporary facilities and fairly basic. Of course, depending upon location (Samoa or Padang), we hope there will be opportunities to surf during breaks or specific times.
At this stage, any expression of interest by you is private, non-binding and would be used purely to estimate the level of interest amongst our loyal Surf Travel customers, before linking in with other aid agencies and planning authorities.
Should you wish to register an expression of interest please click here and reply with your name and contact details. Additionally please detail your professional attributes and/or ways in which you can assist such as: social worker, builder, plumber, carpenter, electrician, project manager, engineer, can bring own tools, etc.
We hope that all efforts to assist those in need have a positive and lasting legacy for those communities in both Samoa and Indonesia.
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