The Tsunami One Year Later: Volunteer Team Aids Tsunami Reconstruction

December 2, 2005 -- A six-member volunteer team traveled to the southeast coast of India November 2-17 and surveyed tsunami reconstruction sites. The team constructed ocean-side huts to replace those that were destroyed by the 2004 tsunami. They also conducted eyeglass and medical clinics in multiple villages.

"India Partners is thankful for the volunteers who went on this team to serve those in need," says Brent Hample, Executive Director of India Partners. Hample led the team, which included members from Eugene, Oregon; Porterville, California; Vancouver, Washington; and Portland, Oregon. Over a period of four days, the team built 10 huts for families that had lost their homes in the 2004 tsunami. In one fishing village, the team realized the people had not eaten in two days. So the team bought and distributed 3,872 pounds of rice to the thankful villagers. "It was an amazing experience," said Hample.

India Partners has received a total of $159,520 in response to the 2004 tsunami. All funds have been sent to India to construct huts, boats and feed the survivors.