Fundraising for L'Aquila - how can we help?

Malcolm Surridge   |   21st June 2009

We were all shocked by the scenes of devastation and destruction in L'Aquila, central Italy, caused by the massive earthquake in April.

Now, a few weeks later, the media spotlight may have moved on, but the human tragedy and suffering of those affected by the quake is still just as intense.

The plight of the parish of San Raniero in Civita di Bagno, one of the villages closest to the epicentre, has been highlighted to us by two of our parishioners who are friends with the local parish priest, Father Gerald Abuachi.

The entire Catholic community of 297 is now living in one of the tent cities outside L'Aquila, their homes and church rendered uninhabitable by earthquake damage and their lives literally in ruins.

The Italian Government's rebuilding effort is currently focusing on the many cultural heritage sites for which L'Aquila is famous and on rebuilding the city centre and infrastructure.

Consequently, outlying communities like San Raniero are likely to be last in the pecking order for any aid or rebuilding resources from the Government.

This is a poor area, largely dependent upon farming and tourism for income. Whilst Italy is a reasonably wealthy country, experience has shown that those impacted by natural disasters often have to wait many years for the help they need to rebuild their lives fully.

Indeed many of those whose homes were destroyed by the mudslide in Southern Italy several decades ago are still living in temporary accommodation.

St Joseph's parish wants to do something practical to help and is launching an appeal both for funds and for volunteers with a variety of building skills to help rebuild the parish church and presbytery, which are very much the heart of this Catholic community.

As this will take time, we are also looking into providing easily-assembled temporary housing for the parishioners.

If you...

• would like more information on how you can help
• wish to make a donation to the appeal
• want to volunteer your particular building or construction skills for this project, or
• know someone who would be willing to volunteer their expertise,

then please contact Felicity and Malcolm Surridge at art@malcolmsurridge.co.uk.

Click here to see some photos of L'Aquila and the parish of San Raniero after the earthquake.

On the right is a short video produced by the relief workers, giving a snapshot of life in the tent city where the affected villagers are living, and it includes pictures of the Church we are hoping to help.