Indian-Americans urged to raise $1 million Harvey fund
9 Sept 2017 11:22 PM IST
Houston: The Indian diaspora in the US has been urged to raise USD 1 million to support relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, one of the most destructive storms in American history that killed more than 50 people.
The consul-general of India (CGI) in Houston in Texas, Anupam Ray, urged the community to coordinate their funding.
"The idea is to consolidate the fund-raising efforts of the community and present an aggregated picture," Ray said.
"To show our commitment to, and support of, the greater Houston community, we would like to organise a fundraising effort to support the mayor's fund for Hurricane Harvey Relief and Rebuild Texas Fund by Governor Greg Abbott," he said, adding that they have set a goal to raise USD 1 million.
Harvey which hit the US Gulf coast last week brought the heaviest rainfall in American history, soaking Texas with more than 52 inches and forcing thousands of people out of their homes.
Indian Americans in Houston met at the Indian Consulate after Ray's appeal. Ray explained the two funds set up by the governor will allow the Indian-American community to track their contributions through a code.
He indicated that the idea is to build a strong "Indian brand". The three Indian oil companies with offices in Houston GAIL, Oil India, and ONGC - had committed USD 10,000 each.
Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Computers, declared he will donate an amount equivalent to what is given to the governor's fund.
Gitesh Desai, president of SEVA International, requested to include his organisation as one of the beneficiaries along with the mayor and the governor's relief funds.
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