Between government and charity, €1 million for Sulawesi

Flemish minister-president Geert Bourgeois has approved €250,000 in aid for Sulawesi, the Indonesian island ravaged by an earthquake and tsunami late last month. The disaster has displaced some 1.5 million people, and the death toll is nearing 2,000.

“According to the United Nations, 200,000 people are in need of immediate urgent help,” said Bourgeois. “This funding is a response to the urgent call to help the victims of this tragedy.”

The money will be delivered to Sulawesi by the charity consortium 1212, bringing its total to more than €1 million collected in Belgium. Following a radio and television campaign, money has been donated by individuals as well as organisations and governments.

1212 brings together seven humanitarian organisations in Belgium, including the Red Cross, Handicap International and Oxfam Solidarity. Donations are being accepted in bank account BE19 0000 0000 1212 or online.

Photo: AFP/BELGA