Rochdale People Donate Thousands to Cyclone Sidr Victims

Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 24/11/2008

Generous Rochdale people have donated thousands of pounds to families who fell victim to ‘Cyclone Sidr’.

The tropical storm hit the Bangladesh’s south coast on 15 November, destroying hundreds of homes and leaving people out on the streets.

But with the help of Rochdale MP Paul Rowen, the people of Rochdale have managed to gather together an impressive £4, 200, which has now been handed over to the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC).

Sandra Kabir, the Executive Director of BRAC has publicly thanked Paul Rowen for his work.

She said: “The effects of Cyclone Sidr are still wide reaching and thousands are still struggling as a result. 

"We would like to put on record our thanks to Paul Rowen MP, a big supporter of Bangladesh and the community in Rochdale for their generosity.”

She added: “It shows that people haven’t forgotten the terrible consequences of the cyclone and its detrimental affect on life in Bangladesh. Disasters so often hit the headlines and people forget. Reconstruction work is still ongoing and this donation towards buying much needed boats will go some way to re-building people’s lives.”

Paul Rowen said: “Within weeks the efforts of so many people in Rochdale will start making a real difference. I know that not a single penny will be wasted and the event was so worthwhile. I would like to put on record my thanks to everyone involved including everyone at Bangladesh Association and Community Project (BACP). The consequences of this horrendous cyclone are still far reaching and BRAC are best placed to ensure this money goes to where it is desperately needed.”