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“As soon as I understood the full scale of devastation and suffering caused by the tsunami, I knew we had to do something,” said Alex Budman, 13. “It’s great to see how so many people are donating so much money for relief aid. We wanted to do something that would allow everyone to contribute and inexpensive bracelets seemed a good way to go. It’s unlikely we’ll raise millions of dollars but we still hope to help make a difference. What’s important is to try to help people in need.” The bracelets retail for $5.00 each. Made at the Roots leather goods factory in Toronto, there are three black bracelets to choose from. Each has a simple message written in a different colour. The first reads: GIVE HELP, in yellow letters. The second has the words GIVE HOPE in white; and the third reads: GIVE LOVE in red. Roots has donated the full cost of making the bracelets as part of the campaign. “Because of our experience with the hurricane bracelets, Alex and I knew that it was an effective way to get people to help,” says Deeva Green, 15, who has spoken publicly on behalf of the campaign. “For most people, the only way to help is to give money and we felt the bracelets would help not only raise funds but also to send a message of how much most people really care. So far, the response has been incredible. It’s amazing to see how the tsunami disaster has brought out the best in people around the world. It’s the one positive aspect to come out of this terrible disaster.” For their part, the Red Cross, which has been working virtually around the clock since the tsunami hit in late December, voiced appreciation for the actions by Roots and many others. “The Red Cross relies on public and corporate donations to provide assistance during and following a disaster," said Diana Borowski, Fund Development Director for the Canadian Red Cross in Ontario. "The outpouring of generosity and compassion being shown by individuals and organizations like Roots is extraordinary. "Through their unique bracelet initiative, Roots raised $10,000 to assist those affected by devastating hurricanes in the Caribbean only a few months ago, and we are very pleased that this is being revived to help millions affected in tsunami-ravaged south Asia,” added Borowski. “The money donated to Red Cross will help provide relief items such as clean drinking water, shelter and medicine to those who so desperately need it, as well as support long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction." In addition to appearing at Roots stores to support the campaign, Alex and Deeva also joined forces to sell the bracelets at various schools in Toronto. In their first week, they raised some $30,000, all of which is going to the Canadian Red Cross Tsunami Relief Fund. Roots is promoting the campaign in its stores and on its website where it is supporting humanitarian efforts and has appealed to people to donate whatever they can to the efforts of the Canadian and American Red Cross. |
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