Contribution Will Help Restore Lost Boats
Former Presidents William Clinton and George H.W. Bush visit Nam Khem, Thailand, site of ARC's Fishing Boat Project. Note wreckage in background. A fishing boat from ARC's Fishing Boat Project is in foreground (not visible in photo).
Minneapolis, Minnesota -- August 10, 2005 -- Former U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and William Clinton named the Minneapolis-based American Refugee Committee's (ARC) Fishing Boat Project as the first tsunami relief project to receive funding with private money raised through the Bush-Clinton Fund.
The Presidents' $1 million contribution will replace fishing boats in Thailand and provide equipment and support to fishermen, many of whom lost nearly everything in the tsunami. The former Presidents wanted to fund the project because of its economic impact and ability to spur job creation.
The two former Presidents visited ARC's Fishing Boat Project in Nam Khem, Thailand, on February 19 of this year as part of their tour of tsunami-affected areas. The Fishing Boat Project is the only tsunami relief project they visited while in Thailand.
"President Clinton and I are delighted to be able to give this grant to the American Refugee Committee," added former President Bush. "When we visited the tsunami-stricken countries, [we] were inspired by the victims who are determined to rebuild their lives; we were inspired by...groups such as ARC who are determined to help these people do just that."
"I am so pleased that [we] are able to present [ARC] with this grant," added former President Clinton. "With this one million -dollar donation, those who once made their lives as fishermen will be able to go back into business and support their families...Through the hard work and determination of ARC, and other groups like it, the American people can be sure their generous donations will be put to good use rebuilding this industry in Thailand," added Clinton.
The Presidents' funding will complement private tsunami relief contributions ARC already has received from nearly 5,000 individuals and more than 300 schools, churches, businesses and civic groups. "The groundswell of support from people around Minnesota and indeed around the country has been phenomenal," said Hugh Parmer, president of ARC.
"We are honored the Presidents selected ARC as the first recipient of the private funding they raised," added Parmer. "In addition, the Presidents' funding is one of the largest private contributions in ARC's history."
In addition to its Fishing Boat Project, through which ARC is working with Thai fishermen to replace boats lost in the tsunami, ARC also provided immediate medical assistance in Indonesia and is conducting ongoing tsunami relief operations in the Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka.
"The Fishing Boat Project has provided fishermen and their families with hope that they will be able to fish again," said Northfield, Minnesota, native Gary Dahl, ARC's Thailand country director. "We have already built more than 200 boats and are in the process of distributing them to fishermen who can now begin to restore their livelihoods after this unimaginable disaster. This program is making a real difference in the lives of these people."
Remarks from Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and William Clinton on Bush-Clinton Fund Contribution to ARC's Fishing Boat Project in Thailand
"President Clinton and I are delighted to be able to give this grant to the American Refugee Committee, for the purpose of helping replace boats in Thailand. However, the real credit goes to the American people, and especially to a group in Houston, Texas, who put together this special Bush-Clinton tsunami fund. When we visited the tsunami-stricken countries, President Clinton and I were inspired by the victims who are determined to rebuild their lives; we were inspired by the non-profit groups such as ARC who are determined to help these people do just that; and we continue to be inspired by the American people, whose big hearts and generous spirits continue to bring hope to that part of the world." -Former President George H.W. Bush
"When President Bush and I visited the tsunami region, we were encouraged by the determination and skill not only of the survivors, but also of the individuals and groups contributing to the relief efforts. The American Refugee Committee is one such group and today I am so pleased that President Bush and I are able to present them with this grant to help the people of Thailand rebuild their lives. With this one million-dollar donation, those who once made their lives as fishermen will be able to go back into business and support their families with stronger, modern boats. Through the hard work and determination of ARC, and other groups like it, the American people can be sure their generous donations will be put to good use rebuilding this industry in Thailand." -Former President William Clinton
Contacts:
Therese Gales, ARC 612-607-6494
Karen Frederickson, ARC 612-607-6473
Jean Becker, Bush-Clinton Fund 207-967-5800