NDI and Winston Joseph Team Up for Tsunami Relief Project

New Directions International and Winston Joseph LLC are hoping to raise $1,000,000 for the purchase of food, water and specifically, new fishing boats that will allow victims of the hardest hit areas to once again provide for their families.

By Kenneth Chan, Tuesday, February 08, 2005

A leading information technology consultant to Global Fortune 1000 companies announced today that it has teamed with New Directions International to help raise money for the victims of South Asia’s quake-tsunami devastation.

According to the North Carolina-based global missions and relief organization, New Directions International and Winston Joseph LLC are hoping to raise $1,000,000 for the purchase of food, water and specifically, new fishing boats that will allow victims of the hardest hit areas to once again provide for their families.

At latest count, 150,000 families lost property, and close to 90 percent are fishermen. Over 30,000 boats were either lost or damaged. Operation "Fisherman's Project" is designed to help the local fishermen replace their lost fishing boats and fishing gear so they can provide for their families and community. An estimated $2,500 can buy a boat, motor, fishing nets and other equipment necessary to rebuild their way of life.

"We are taking a different direction with the contributions. We hope to give people back their way of life,” stated Jessica Nock, Winston Joseph Companies' general manager. “The boats we supply will provide more of a long-term solution. Our main goal is to ensure that the victims of this enormous tragedy can once again provide for their families."

Shane Kilfoil, sales leader for Winston Joseph Companies, commented, "We have secured very strong local and governmental support. Our partnership with New Directions International will assure the proper distribution of funds amongst the victims."

Amanda Dalton, outreach coordinator for Winston Joseph Companies, stated, "Even though we were not directly affected by this disaster, we feel blessed to have the opportunity to help. When something of this magnitude happens, it really puts things in perspective, and we are just honored to be part of this global relief effort. The needs of these people are insurmountable. We ask our business associates and friends to help in any way they can."

Winston Joseph Companies hopes to make significant progress in reaching its goal of $1-million by June 1, 2005.

NDI reports that personnel from Winston Joseph Companies will be traveling to India to assist in the relief effort and to review the logistics involved in providing for the victims.

Those interested in making a donation, please contact Winston Joseph at 919-460-9489 or visit New Directions International's website: http://www.newdirections.org/donate.php. Under "Gift Category Description," select donation in the "Winston Joseph Fisherman's Project" field. New Directions International can be reached at 888-PRAY-NDI (888-772-9634).