330 East Roosevelt Road, Suite G5, Lombard, IL 60148
Ph.: 630.629.7490 - Fax: 630.629.7492

PRESS RELEASE
Chicago - Tuesday, December 28, 2004

CHICAGOLAND MUSLIMS ESTABLISH RELIEF FUND
FOR ASIA TSUNAMI VICTIMS

The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), an umbrella organization serving over 400,000 Muslims throughout Chicagoland, expresses deep sadness upon the tens of thousands killed and immense devastation left in the wake of the Tsunami disaster in Asia. We offer our condolences to the victims of this terrible event and encourage American Muslims and people of other faiths and conscience to contribute toward relief efforts.

Kareem Irfan, CIOGC Chairman, stated, “Words are inadequate in conveying our deep concern and grief as the extent of devastation and death toll from this disaster continue their grim climb. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have died and those suffering, as well as their loved ones. We appeal to our fellow Chicagoans to join us in this time of spiritual reflection and renewal that accompanies the holiday season and upcoming New Year by giving generously for the victims of the Asian Tsunami.”

The Council has established a Tsunami Relief Fund and is accepting financial donations in support of the worldwide relief efforts responsive to this international tragedy. This fund is aimed at pooling tax-deductible, charitable donations to support humanitarian agencies putting together the largest aid effort in history. Mosques and Islamic centers across Chicago will focus on the situation in Asia and its victims during Friday sermons and other congregational events, and raise charitable funds for this cause.

HOW TO HELP:

Tax-deductible Donations for the CIOGC Tsunami Relief Fund can be sent to: CIOGC - 330 E. Roosevelt Road, Suite G5; Lombard, Illinois 60148. Please make checks payable to “CIOGC” and indicate ‘Tsunami Relief’ in the memo portion. Secure on-line donations may be made conveniently at our website: www.ciogc.org

Donations may also be sent directly to any of the following organizations:

ISLAMIC RELIEF WORLDWIDE: [Focus: medical supplies, tents & sanitation facilities] Send checks to Islamic Relief, 1919 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506 (Ph. 888. 479-4968; www.irw.org)

ISLAMIC CIRCLE OF NORTH AMERICA (ICNA) [Focus: Indonesia, India & Sri Lanka Relief Fund for food, medicine, clothes, tents & other urgently needed supplies] Send checks to 166-26 89th Ave Jamaica, NY 11432 (Ph. 718-68-7028) or visit www.ReliefOnLine.org.

THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT societies in south Asia have mobilized emergency efforts in affected areas. (Ph. 800-435-7669). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

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