A Crisis in Bali...
On Saturday October 12th 2002, a car bomb was exploded in the
popular tourist village of Kuta. Over 180 people were tragically
killed, and many people have been seriously injured. We were stunned by
what happened in Bali. Words are not enough to describe the
tragedy. People from all over the world as well as many Balinese and
Indonesians were amongst the victims.
The Balinese people who were injured in the terrorist attack lie in
the hospitals facing a terrible time of painful treatment and gradual
healing. Unfortunately, they also live in a country with no free health
or welfare system. The medical supplies donated for their treatment are free,
but the
injured are be charged for their care in the hospital. This is
just how it is in Bali.
The people of Bali are not rich. Often the only member of a family sending money back to the
villages had been working in the hotels, shops and nightclubs, or as a
driver. Since September
11 the economy on the island has been affected by a downturn in tourist
numbers. The events of October 12th have created even more unemployment.
People who want to contribute financially, but have been unsure of
sending funds because they worry that every dollar of their contribution
would not reach the injured Balinese, may wish to send money to the Crisis
Care Foundation in Bali. This little organisation has been operating
for years in northern Bali, providing medical care for the
poorest of villagers who could not afford hospital or clinic care
without the generosity of many benefactors.
Anyone who wishes to send a contribution can put it into the
following account, but please email the Foundation to let them know the
details so they can check it arrives and is accounted for. The email
address is gloriacrisiscare@hotmail.com. The account details are:
Bank B.N.I.
PT. Bank Negara Indonesia
Persero. TBK Singaraja Branch
Address: Jalan Surapati No. 52A
Singaraja 81114 Bali
Account No: 062-000426874-901
Account Name: Crisis Care Foundation
If you have ever enjoyed the gentle graciousness of these people, or
been moved by the pictures on television of the suffering and
devastation, here is an avenue to express your concern in a tangible
way.
All donations to this account will be used totally for the benefit of
the Balinese people.
Anyone who has used this travel guide must have saved plenty of cash
while on holiday. Now it's time to give something back.
Wayne Reid (Thanks to Gloria,
Kiwi and Ringo for the text above).
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