In late January 2006, executives from corporations including Baxter International, Cardinal Health, Cisco Systems and Wachovia joined CARE on a five-day trip through southern India to see CARE tsunami rehabilitation and long-term development projects in action. Like more than 1,100 companies across the United States, these corporations gave generous gifts to CARE in response to the December 2004 tsunami. The trip provided an opportunity for company representatives to witness firsthand the long-lasting impact their donations have made on the lives of communities affected by the disaster.
All of the corporate leaders left the trip inspired by meeting and talking with the people CARE is helping. The journal entries below, written by Amy White, vice president of internal communications at Cardinal Health, give a personal view of CARE's tsunami rehabilitation work.
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Pillemedu, Tamil Nadu, India
Long the source of Pillemedu's strength, the sea would betray them on December 26, 2004. As the rush of water came to shore, Pillemedu lost 39 lives, including 22 children. CARE has been working with the villagers to help them relocate their village to the mainland and to reestablish their livelihoods. |
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Shanmugha Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India
The Irula people are known as a "backward caste," the poorest of the poor in Indian society. Even after the tsunami, they were overlooked by most agencies providing assistance. CARE's work in Shanmugha Nagar includes trauma counseling and establishing land rights in addition to addressing immediate needs for food and shelter. |
