Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

We hoped to have the resources to help many. We have only spent money on
giving  food and water so far. Our travel and expenses have been
from our own pockets. While the big organizations are finally starting to
show up here, there was a problem in the critical beginning and we were
very much alone here. There are so many needs and food and water 
were needed badly. The large organizations have now started providing for
shelter and food and water. But where we feel the problem lies now is in
economic survival, repair, and rebuilding of lives. From having been in
Thailand quite a while, the disturbing element is who will control the
money given to the Thai people for rebuilding. The government here is
absolutely untrustworthy with money­and corruption is far more than
common. The small people will get nothing, and the friends and families
of the government will get wealthier and use the money for opportunistic
plunder of the misfortunate. We feel that the larger organizations will
in no way have the ability to track the application of their funding or
warrant that it went to those who lost everything. What we have to offer
our contributors, is that 100% actually gets to someone who needs their
help and is not likely to 
receive anything from Red Cross, Network for Good, Unicef, or the others,
save for some immediate shelter, food, and water. But that will not be
enough to sustain them or help them become self sustaining
again.

We would like to raise enough to support a  construction team in the
repair of homes, boats, and lively hoods. Thai labor is one of the best
values, and construction and building is far more simple, inexpensive,
and expedient than in America.  Although we haven't made a decision
yet, I would like very much to help the people I am hosting tonight, but
we have so little to work with at this time, that I will wait until we
see what comes in in the next few days. Members of the company are hard
working and talented and could help repair the company building and
boats, but they need money to live while they rebuild. The concept of
insurance is very uncommon here and like most Thai companies there will
be no such thing in this case.

There are many promises to help us, and many considering donations, but
it takes time for people to think it over. We feel that we can be of
great help, and make the money stretch further by employing displaced
workers to help themselves and others to rebuild. We will also be talking
with the Thai community and identifying the ones doing something great
and positive and possibly join forces or provide money for their efforts.
Additionally we are trying to get businesses to give wholesale pricing on
goods and supplies since they are going to the relief effort. There's a
great deal to do here.

Best Regards

Reid Ridgway