Opening Our Hearts and Piggy Banks

by Melvin Durai

I don't know about you, but the outpouring of support for the tsunami victims has touched me so deeply, I have a strong urge to run around and hug strangers. The only thing that's stopping me is the fear of spending time in a mental institution. It's bad enough that I sometimes talk to myself, occasionally talk to my plants, and every now and then talk to my mother-in-law.

Hugging people doesn't come naturally to me, but at a time like this, I even have the urge to hug George Bush. He was a little slow reacting to the disaster, but once he woke up, he showed the world that he does have a soft side, not just for the rich but for anyone with a beachfront home.

Bush didn't just pledge a ton of money and support -- even ten grand from his own pocket -- he sent his brother Jeb to tour the affected region, knowing that Jeb, as governor of Florida, has vast experience dealing with disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and elections.

Several other countries such as Japan, Germany and Australia have also pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to help the tsunami victims, and just as touching, some Arab countries have offered to supply them with as much oil as they can buy. One Saudi prince has pledged to donate whatever money he saves from limiting shopping sprees in his household to one wife per day.

The spirit of giving is evident everywhere, from the German auto racing champion who has donated $10 million for tsunami relief to the Nigerian widow who has offered to transfer millions into any bank account.

While it's great that many governments have offered assistance in various forms, I've been most impressed with the generosity of ordinary people, folks like Jasmine Germany, a Detroit waitress who donated a day's wages and tips. If everyone in the world followed her example, we'd be able to build condominiums for all the survivors -- and that's just with Bill Gates' contribution.

Perhaps most touching are the donations of children, many of whom have responded to the terrible pictures on television in small but significant ways. Some in cities are emptying their piggy banks, while others in rural areas are selling their piggies. Many are donating their entire allowances; others are selling cookies and cakes to adults who, perhaps aware of the current exchange rate, are more than willing to give up dollars and gain pounds.

Some kids have been extremely resourceful, setting up lemonade stands and gouging customers like the adults do at the mall. A 5-year-old Canadian boy has offered to play ice hockey to help the tsunami victims. He plans to donate every penny he collects from the tooth fairy.

Celebrities are also doing their part. Some are singing songs to raise money, while others, like Ashlee Simpson, have offered to lip-synch.

Actress Sandra Bullock has donated one million dollars to the American Red Cross for tsunami relief. I don't know about you, but I want to hug her one million times.

Then again, it's not the first time I've felt that way.

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(c) Copyright 2004 Melvin Durai.
All Rights Reserved.MelvinDurai.com
Melvin Durai is an Indiana-based writer, humorist and occasional stand-up comedian.
Born in India and raised in Zambia, he has lived in the U.S. since 1982.