Tsunami Anniversary Charity DVD

On the eve of the 5th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, Robert C. Reynolds, director of The Sriphong Phukaoluan Foundation, looks back on the relief effort and assesses what remains to be done

I have been working with tsunami survivors since the waves hit the shores of Krabi, Thailand the morning of 26 December 2004 -- first in the emergency relief effort and then helping to build up strong, long term programs of support for the more than 100 local children orphaned by the disaster.

While acknowledging the successes of the local relief and reconstruction efforts, many of these children still face an uncertain future. As time has passed since the tsunami, the needs of the tsunami children have changed.

Currently, the focus of the efforts of the Foundation is on continuing the education of these children. Without sponsorship, many children will not be able to pursue a higher education and realize their goals. As a result, the Foundation continues to raise funds to support the tsunami children and provide scholarships and educational benefits, so that all the children will have the chance to reach their full potential and fulfill their dreams.

This DVD we have created to mark the 5th anniversary of the tragedy tells the story of how the local communities in Krabi, Thailand rebuilt their lives after the December 26 tsunami. It documents the efforts of thousands of volunteers helping the tsunami survivors during their darkest hours.

"Helping Hands" highlights the story of an infant boy, Anuwat, newly orphaned after the disaster. The Sriphong Phukaoluan Foundation, www.krabirelief.com, has been supporting Anuwat and 104 other such children in Krabi, Thailand since the tsunami. The Foundation's "Tsunami Child Sponsorship Program" has won two national awards, and been a model for community relief and reconstruction.

The DVD includes original music by renowned Californian musician Gary Gates, and all proceeds from the sales will be put back into the Foundation to support the tsunami children. The DVD makes a great gift, and we can send a gift acknowledgement card to your gift recipients.

You can also pick up the DVD locally, in several hotels, bars and shops around the Ao Nang area. If you are unable to find a copy, you can email us at info at krabirelief dot com and we will have one delivered to your hotel at no extra charge (mainland Krabi only). To order a copy by mail, please use the form below. A preview of the DVD can now be seen on You Tube. Your support for this project is greatly appreciated.