The tsunami? Wasn’t that fixed years ago? Not so, says Los Angeles-based non-profit Aid Still Required (ASR), citing tens of thousands who are still looking to restore their lives in Southeast Asia following the disaster.
With an endorsement from former President Clinton's United Nations Office for Tsunami Recovery, ASR has enlisted the help of many of the World’s favorite musicians to champion this forgotten issue, including Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, James Taylor, Sarah McLachlan, Maroon 5, John Lennon (estate), Avril Lavigne, Shawn Colvin, Phantom Planet, Ani DiFranco, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Ray Charles (estate), Hunter Payne and The Blind Boys of Alabama.
“We’ve all seen it,” says Bonnie Raitt. “Money pours in when a disaster first occurs. But then the World’s attention turns to other matters and the real work of rebuilding goes underfunded. I’m involved with this project because it will help thousands restore their lives in a sustainable manner.”
The mission of ASR is to bring assistance to people and countries who have experienced the most terrible natural tragedies and humanitarian crises in recent years, but which have since left the forefront of people’s minds.
“We deeply value the project,” states the letter from Clinton’s office. “Not only will it raise much needed capital…., it will serve to sustain public awareness of the ongoing need for aid in the area.”
The compilation, entitled Aid Still Required, will be available on iTunes beginning June 22 for $9.99. ASR’s goal is to raise 1 million dollars through the sale of the album, with monies being used for alternative job training, disaster preparedness, and environmental sustainability – all dearly needed in the area.
The Deluxe Eco-Edition of the CD is available for purchase at www.aidstillrequired.org for $15.00. For those looking for participate more fully, the ‘ASR Angel’ program allows members to donate a minimum of $10 per month and receive the CD for free, shipping included. The monthly donation goes towards all the worthwhile causes that ASR supports which currently include the tsunami, Darfur and New Orleans.
For more information on Aid Still Required, visit www.aidstillrequired.org.
