Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2013/January 2014 | Page 104

ANDREW TURNER MP coffee break advice. Andrew Turner MP The Riverside Centre, The Town Quay, Newport, IW - Tel: [phone] [email protected] www.islandmp.org .. British generosity shines through... A s I write the world is still reeling from the horror of Typhoon Haiyan – a particularly powerful storm which wrought utter devastation in some parts of South East Asia. The Philippines were hit particularly hard; thousands of people died and over 11 million are affected in some way, four million have been left homeless. It is one of many disasters, some natural, others manmade that have hit some of the poorest communities in the world. Each time a new tragedy strikes we see heartbreaking images of people scrabbling through the ruins of their lives; hungry, thirsty and searching desperately for loved ones. It is impossible to imagine the 104 www.visitislandlife.com extent of their suffering. The UK Government provided immediate aid; and has been at the forefront of the humanitarian relief effort. Already £55m has been pledged and troops sent to provide practical help. That is as it should be; richer nations should support those in desperate need. But what has really shone through, as ever, is the generosity of the British public. There used to be much talk of ‘compassion fatigue’. One definition describes it as ‘indifference to charitable appeals on behalf of suffering people, experienced as a result of the frequency or number of such appeals.’ There seems to be little sign of that, despite the many disasters in recent years. In little more than a week over £50m was raised by charities in the UK to help those unknown, faraway faces on our TV screens. Closer to home the Christmas Toy Appeal collects gifts for Island children who may otherwise get no presents at all. Started by Daniel and Deborah Rooke and ‘powered by Bestival’, it triggered an amazing response from Islanders and is now in its second year. It is another example of people reaching out to give help to those they do not know. It is often said that we live in a selfish and consumer obsessed society. The response by so many ordinary people to such appeals, particularly when many families are struggling themselves, is inspiring. In this run-up to Christmas we should be thankful that we still share that common humanity which drives us to reach out to those in need, with no thought of any return. I know many Islanders have given unstintingly to help people they will never meet and who will never get the opportunity to thank them. There are so many good causes to support it sometimes feels you can do nothing to reduce the pain and suffering in our world. But everyone who has supported their charity of choice, in any way, has made a difference. In this festive season you have given hope to those in despair and brought some happiness into other’s lives. I wish all Island Life readers and advertisers a joyous Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year – you deserve it!