UWG News Archive

Tsunami relief efforts at UWG

January 14, 2005

CARROLLTON, GA - Students at the University of West Georgia are banding together to provide relief aid to victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami, which destroyed millions of dollars worth of property and left more than 150,000 dead.

The Student Government Association (SGA) began its efforts as soon as students returned to classes Jan. 10, said Jason Allen, SGA president.

"The times in which we live are difficult ones," said Allen. "From this tragedy we have a charge as citizens to reach out to those in their time of need."

Though the United States is not always directly affected by disaster, the results can be felt all over the world, Allen said. Because of this, the University of West Georgia has adopted a unity theme for the relief effort.

"It is an attempt to show the community how much of an impact UWG can have in making a difference in the lives of others. I am in hopes that we have all come to the realization that we are one people, one world," said Allen.

Various student organizations, as well as faculty, staff, and alumni have joined to aid tsunami victims. Allen states the student goal is to raise $10,216. Each dollar will represent one student at UWG.

Dr. Walter Todd, coordinator of Intramurals and open recreation, is also encouraging UWG employees and retirees, to donate a minimum of $10 each.

"We want to make a large statement in the name of the University of West Georgia, our Carrollton community, the state of Georgia, our nation, and us as concerned members of the human race," said Todd.

Donations will go to the American Red Cross, Aid Sri Lanka, AmeriCares, and Oxfam America. Donors are asked to leave their gifts in Student Concern Boxes that will be located at the University Community Center (UCC), as well as the Student Development Center and the Excel Center. All Checks should be made payable to one of those organizations and should be sent to Sylvia Shortt, Student Development, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, 30118.

Student Organizations will also host various events, forums, and programs that deal with issues that plague the world.

"While each of us is unique to the West Georgia family, we are also connected to our country and the many countries around the world. We are in hopes that the UWG family effort will reach out to the many families that were affected by the deadly tsunami," said Allen.

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