KCP - Catholic Diocese of Broome

The Boxing Day Tsunami left an indelible mark of destruction upon the world. History has recorded the countless deaths, injuries, homelessness and the obliteration of infrastructure. These are the key factors left in the wake of those terrifying waves caught so amply on cameras for the rest of the world to view. Aceh in Indonesia, the coastlines of Sri Lanka, Southern India, and Southern Thailand were immediately thrown into the grip of crises – deep crises. The world that viewed the disaster unfold on the television screen responded
generously. And so too the Kimberley.

January is a quiet month in the North but despite the lethargy that accompanies the summer heat, people went to extremes to raise cash for the Aid effort.

One such effort is worthy of a special mention – the Caritas Kimberley Tsunami Appeal.

The parishes of the Diocese of Broome held special collections and fundraising events – all of which were very successful. In Broome, the Roebuck Hotel led the way with a very special event to raise funds for Caritas. Proprietor, Brian Coppin contacted Bishop Saunders and said how concerned he was about this enormous human tragedy. With Manager, Mike Windle, they planned a concert evening with wellknown celebrities Russell Gilbert and Plucka Duck in attendance. Auctions and donations raised in excess of thirty six thousand dollars the first night. On the Sunday evening another auction took place and by the Wednesday the Hotel was able to present the Bishop with a cheque for $50,000 for Caritas.

But the generosity was not to end there. Singers Babe Ruth, Jet Girl and Manager, Stewart Wright, set about a concert on Tour. Fundraising evenings were held in Wyndham, Kununurra, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Karratha and South Hedland. Plucka Duck went along in support and raised a few feathers when he rode a scooter through the local shopping centre in Kununurra. The scooter was a donation from Lugger Scooter Hire and the Bowell Team and all proceeds from the raffle of the scooter went to Caritas Kimberley. Bishop Saunders spoke at each gathering in
the East Kimberley and said how grateful he was to see the Kimberley
open its heart to those in need.

A song written by Babe Ruth (O’Dwyer) and friends about the tsunami, is entitled This One is for the People and is available from www.tsunamiappeal2005.com.au. All proceeds from the sale of the CD are forwarded to Caritas Kimberley for the Tsunami Appeal.

Our thanks to everyone who contributed to the Caritas Kimberley
Tsunami Appeal. Special thanks to all at the Roebuck Hotel, the many
sponsors and the team – Stewart, Plucka Duck, Babe Ruth and duo Jet
Girl who worked tirelessly to see to it that money was raised For the
People who needed it.