Several good people have asked the YBJA Office how to help the victims of the awful disaster in SE Asia. The best way is to channel funds directly to Jesuit relief works in the regions affected, and that the most effective way is through our partnership with Jesuit Missions.

We have decided that we will support two particular relief operations: one, run by the Jesuit Province in Sri Lanka and one run by the Jesuit Refugee Service in Indonesia's Aceh region (see also www.justgiving.com/jrstsunamiappeal). Both areas have been devastated. People in each area have already suffered much because of warfare, internal displacement and so on; Jesuit agencies have long been at work in these regions. Fr.David Townsend, a British Jesuit working in Thailand, has supplied us with up-to-date information about many pressing needs in Aceh, as has Fr. Pieris SJ, the Provincial's Assistant in Sri Lanka. See www.ybja.org, News section.

This appeal is linked to the Farm Street Jesuit Church appeal; together, over £20,000 has been raised already.

This easy-to-use and tax-efficient online donation facility has been opened up by Jesuit Missions to support the Aceh and the Sri Lankan appeal. Using the Just Giving system, you can safely donate funds using your credit or debit card. All funds will be directed to YBJA or to the Jesuit Missions office in the UK for immediate transfer to the JRS Asia-Pacific Office or to the Sri Lankan Jesuits.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to donate: your money arrives faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. Further details are on our websites.