SGA pledges to support Tsunami Relief Effort

ECU's Student Government Association is pledging to make a big difference in lives of the survivors of December's tsunami tragedy.

Shannon O'Donnell, the student body president, along with the SGA, is asking for all student organizations to make an effort in raising money to give to the SGA, where it will then be sent in together.

SGA's goal is to raise $1 for each of the 21,658 students who attend ECU this semester.

The tragedy has claimed more than 162,000 lives to date and millions are still awaiting aid from international workers. Many of those affected by the tragedy are still without clean water, food and proper supplies.

With monetary donations, aids will be able to reduce the burden on scarce resources in the affected region, support the local economies for the troubling months to come and ensure assistance that is medically, culturally and environmentally appropriate.

"The magnitude of this tragedy is incredible," said Ashley Young, freshman biology major and member of SGA.

"We as human beings should have an innate desire to help those in dire need because we would want the same in return."

Young said she thinks Shannon O'Donnell has done a great job in initiating this humanitarian effort.

Aside from accepting funds from student organizations, the SGA will be collecting donations at all home basketball games through the end of January.

Tosin Oyelowo, sophomore chemistry major and SGA student senator, believes it's only appropriate for SGA to represent the voice of the student population.

"It's our job to be the first amongst student organizations to help alleviate the pain and suffering brought upon the victims," said Oyelowo.

"I just hope that students contribute in a large way ... the SGA really wants to make our goal, perhaps even exceed our goal, and make a difference."

Once all donations are collected, the SGA will submit the money to the ECU Foundation, who in turn will write one large check to UNICEF, a non-profit humanitarian organization, to represent ECU and Greenville.

Thomas Goldberg, sophomore business major, said he is very proud of the SGA for taking an initiative.

"What happened in South Asia and parts of Africa is horrible - the number of people that have been affected by this event is beyond words," said Goldberg.

"I'm just glad that my university is contributing to the relief."

In a letter to all organizations, O'Donnell called upon everyone to remember ECU's motto, "Servire," which means, "to serve."

Students interested in donating can contact participating campus organizations or give directly to the SGA in the Mendenhall Student Center.

Donations will be collected from now until the end of January.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.