Islamic+Relief+pledges+2+million+dollars+for+Katrina+effort

=Media Release: Islamic Relief pledges $2 million for Katrina relief effort=

Issued by Islamic Relief

 * //2 September 2005, 16h00//**

London-based Islamic Relief has pledged US$2 million in relief aid for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, the organisation’s South African office has announced. With the death toll having risen into the thousands and with over one million people left homeless, the disaster will require the largest effort in U.S. history.

Through its U.S. office, Islamic Relief has pledged $2 million to aid victims who have fled to three locations: Mobile, Baton Rouge and Houston, Texas.

In Houston, Islamic Relief is working in coordination with the Muslim community in the city to help over 25,000 victims. Additionally, Islamic Relief staff is mobilising 700 volunteers to aid in the relief efforts.

In Baton Rouge and Mobile, Islamic Relief staff is working on the ground to set up relief operations and will be distributing urgently needed items such as water, food, and hygiene kits. The international aid agency is also planning to provide emergency shelter for the displaced people. Islamic Relief will also assist in the clean-up efforts in the hurricane-affected areas of the city.

The U.S. office of IR is working with a number of other organisations and faith-based groups to gather emergency relief supplies. Fundraising for the relief effort is ongoing as the extent of the disaster is being reassessed on an hourly basis.


 * //For more information or for interviews, call the following IR representatives://**


 * In South Africa: Cassiem Khan (011 836-1054 or 072 614 4236)

In the U.S.: Arif Shaikh (09 1 818 238-9520 or 09 1 310 351 3931)**