Rochdale MP puts weight behind Asian Earthquake Appeal!

Rochdale MP - Paul Rowen has backed a Rochdale-based appeal for donations to help victims of the Asian Earthquake. Local Rochdale radio station - Crescent Radio has set up a special charity - Crescent Aid, created to help victims.

Lib Dem MP - Paul said, "This awful disaster has had a profound affect on people here in Rochdale - with many resident's families affected by the earthquake. I would like to pledge my support to Crescent Aid - who I believe have already inundated with donations and messages of support. I represent hundreds of Constituents affected by this disaster and my thoughts and prayers are with them at this time. I will be looking to assist this charity in any way I can - one thing we are looking at is having a charity dinner to raise much-needed funds."

Meanwhile, Deputy Leader of the Lib Dem Group on Rochdale Council - Cllr. Shah Wazir faced hours of uncertainty at the weekend. It was only after many hours of desperate phone calls that Shah found out his mother, wife and children were safe. Cllr. Wazir said, "I am thankful that my close family are safe but so many people have not been so lucky. I know that Rochdale has a famous tradition of being so generous in times like these and appeal to them to continue this and dig deep into their pockets. I would applaud the staff and listeners of Crescent Radio for setting up Crescent Aid so quickly in response to the urgent appeal."

Spokesperson for Crescent Radio - Mr Chishti of the Chishtia Mosque said, "Yet again the people of Rochdale have reacted superbly - people from all faiths and political backgrounds have been in touch with offers of help and of course much needed support. I would ask everyone to think of others at this time."

Paul Rowen has now opened up his Lib Dem Headquarters in Rochdale if anyone wants to drop any blankets, tents or other supplies that people in the areas affected may find useful. Paul is currently looking at finding a container to ship over, similar to his efforts during the Tsunami Disaster. The address is: 144, Drake Street, Rochdale, OL16 1PS - for directions or further information please contact Paul Rowen MP on 01706 712 186.

Crescent Aid is a Rochdale based charity set up by local radio station - Crescent Radio. Anyone wishes to make donations or other offers of help can contact the charity on 01706 340 786 or write to PO BOX 284, Rochdale, OL11 1YS.