MICKEYS IN DISASTER PLEDGE

Last updated : 14 January 2005 By Editor

With no local disaster over the festive period Liverpool have found an excellent way to ride on the back of someone elses. They are hoping to twin the city with a Sri Lankan town devastated by the Asian tsunami.

City schools and businesses are to forge links with people in the devastated
community - and everybody in Liverpool will be asked to pledge cash to support them over the next five years.

A new charity called Hands Across The Sea will be launched by the city council at Liverpool town hall this morning, 18 days after the devastating tidal wave struck, killing more than 150,000.

Already a number of businesses and organisations, including the Empire
Theatre, LIPA and Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, have pledged their
support to the huge humanitarian effort. It will see the city of Liverpool take
responsibility for the rebuilding of a town, which has not yet been chosen.

Individuals will be asked to pledge 50p a week, and businesses to commit to
donating a small amount, from around £50 a year.

Every school in the area will be asked to dedicate one day a year to fund-raising for the appeal.

Eventually, the scheme will see Liverpool set up twinning-type arrangements with the town, including dialogue between schools and business links.

Liverpool's executive member for housing and social care, Cllr Flo Clucas, will launch the fund with fellow Liberal Democrat councillor Linda-Jane Buckle.

Mrs Clucas said: "Liverpool people are renowned for their generosity, and they have responded magnificently to the emergency appeals.

"By setting up a dedicated charity, we are pledging our commitment for years to come to rebuild a town affected by the tsunami.

"Long term support is vital, and 'Hands Across The Sea' will allow us to secure a better future for thousands of people."

So how long until the Sri Lankan town is giving hand outs to Liverpool?