[+/-] Humanist assistance for South Asia earthquake victims

I wanted to pass this along from the American Humanist Association:

We at the American Humanist Association have found a way for individuals like you to give as Humanists to the South Asia earthquake relief efforts. You will find two options below to provide essential relief.

The AHA has aligned with Pakistani's leading Humanist, Pervez Hoodbhoy, who is personally involved. A physics professor at Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad, Hoodbhoy tells us that the earthquake situation is desperate. Rawalakot, about 100 miles from Islamabad, is in ruins, "bodies under rubble, no supplies, almost no houses standing, and no aid has reached Rawalakot yet."

Along with Quaid-e-Azam University students and faculty, he is directly involved in relief efforts and has formed an earthquake relief fund. Foodstuff, blankets, and medicines are being gathered for the devastated areas of Balakot, Mansehra, and Abbotabad. A university in Muzzafarabad contacted Quaid-e-Azam University and was pleading for help "to dig out some 300 university girls still buried under the rubble."

To offer your support as a Humanist to relief workers on the scene, and to avoid delays in getting assistance to the victims, the AHA urges you to send a check directly to the Eqbal Ahmad Foundation. The Foundation is named after a prominent Pakistani Humanist of the recent past. It will transfer contributions to the Quaid-e-Azam University Earthquake Relief Fund, jointly operated by Pervez Hoodbhoy, the university treasurer, and the president of the academic staff association.

To support the Eqbal Ahmad Foundation Earthquake Relief Fund visit http://www.americanhumanist.org/EqbalAhmadFoundation.Form.php.

Reports from the devastated region in Pakistan estimate a death toll of over 35,000 with thousands more fatalities expected in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Over 2 million people are homeless, with winter weeks away.

As Humanists concerned for the well being of all, we wish to express Humanism's compassion for the survivors who have experienced such loss and our commitment to rebuild their shattered lives.

So, you may also offer your support for the victims of the South Asia earthquake by using your credit card to contribute online now at http://www.americanhumanist.org/secure/earthquake.php. Funds collected will be batched by the AHA and sent to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, a well-known, active relief agency.

Thank you for joining the AHA in doing what you can to make a difference. As Hoodbhoy stated, "Your solidarity in these desperate moments is appreciated even more. It reinforces hope in our shared humanity."