Day of hope set up to help tsunami survivors (From Warrington Guardian)

Day of hope set up to help tsunami survivors

A SPECIAL 'day of hope' has been earmarked by the county council to help communities shattered by the Asian earthquake disaster.

On January 21 the authority's 23,000-strong workforce and 350 schools will help raise cash to aid survivors of the catastrophe that shocked the world.

And in the meantime the authority's management board is to consult with the Local Government International Bureau on how best its expertise can be used in rebuilding the shattered communities.

Chief executive Jeremy Taylor said: "It may well be that the wide ranging expertise available in an authority of this size will be needed in addition to money.

"This could be anything from civil protection or education, to social care or highways and bridge engineering.

"At this stage we simply do not know - but we will consider any requests."

One of the other ideas being considered by the management board is for the county to adopt or twin with a town or village to help restore normal life.

County council chairman Barrie Hardern said: "The financial response to this appalling tragedy has been remarkable.

"But there are, of course, bound to be many longer term requirements and this is where we feel we may be able to offer the right specialist help."

Collection boxes for the county's disaster appeal are to be placed in all the authority's main libraries.

On January 21 council staff in all service departments are being encouraged to hold their own money-raising events.

Mr Taylor added: "Like everyone else our staff are anxious to do their bit to help. We know that certain departments have already set the ball rolling and hundreds of pounds have been raised.

"Setting a definite date for fund-raising events will give everyone a little bit more time to plan.

"I hope that we will be able to create a real day of hope for the survivors."