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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