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By Rosemary Pollock
LDS Church's Donations To Timor Helps Troubled land
DILI, EAST TIMOR -- East Timorese president-elect Xanana Gusmao intervened
by cutting through government red tape the week before Christmas and
arranged for the delivery of seven 24-foot containers to be delivered
to the needy people of troubled East Timor. The containers were to
arrive in Timor on December 18, following the symbolic handover of a
cheque to East Timorese representatives at The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints' farm in New South Wales.
"I am particularly grateful for the shovels and mattocks because,
while it is good to give hungry people food, it is best to give them
tools so they can use them to grow their own crops and become
self-sufficient," said East Timorese president-elect Gusamao. The
seven containers held many much-needed foodstuffs as well as corn,
rice, red kidney beans, shovels, hoes, mattocks and children's
clothing. "I acknowledge the efforts of the Sunday Herald Sun and its
editor, Alan Howe, in linking up the church and the East Timorese,"
he said.
The Mormon Church has its own humanitarian entity, Latter-day Saint
Charities, but often works through other charities, such as Catholic
Relief and the Salvation Army. Earlier aid packages given by the
Church included hygiene kits, food and clothing that was valued at
more than $723,000. The seven containers carried goods vlaued at
$280,000.
Church Area Welfare Agent, William Bush and Pacific Director of
Public Affairs, Alan Wakely, arranged for the delivery of the goods
to the final recipients. "This is a great Christmas present for my
people," said Mr. Gusmao. "We are so grateful for this humanitarian
aid."
Mr. Wakely said the close relationship between Australia and East
Timor was forged during World War II. "Our present aid is but a small
thank you for the protection provided by the East Timorese to those
soldiers who fought to secure Australia's shores," he said.
Mr. Bush explained that the church has had a long history of helping
people. "We have been represented at many of the world's trouble
spots over the past 15 years, often without the knowledge of those
receiving the aid," he said. "Since 1985, more than $470 million in
cash and supplies have been given to assist people affected by
natural disasters, war and other personal calamities."
Sources:
Timely Timor cheer
Melbourne Australia Herald Sun 24Dec00 N1
By Paul Stewart
Australian Garden Tools to Help East Timor Regrow
LDS Church Press Release 23Dec00 N1
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