(Cheshire, England – January 7 2005) The Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour (LET) announced today that it will make a significant donation of the Tour income from the Thailand Ladies Open to the Tsunami Earthquake Appeal to help aid the victims of the recent disaster which has claimed an estimated 150,000 lives in South East Asia.
The Thailand Ladies Open is scheduled to take place from March 31-April 3 at the Alpine Golf & Country Club in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. The Tour is also in the process of arranging more fund raising activities at the event such as a charity auction to provide financial aid for those affected by the disaster.
Monies raised will be sent to the Disaster Emergency Committee, the official charity organisation which represents many of the aid organisations involved with relief in the region.
“The whole world has been completely taken aback by the enormity of the recent events in South East Asia, “ said Karen Lunn, Chairman of the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour.
“The LET has strong connections in the region and we feel it is our moral duty to support the Tsunami appeal. Our thoughts go out to the millions of people who are suffering across the region and we hope our donation will assist the enormous disaster relief operation.”
One of the worst affected countries in Europe is Sweden, where many families have been personally affected by the tragedy, with thousands of Swedes still listed as missing in areas of Thailand.
Carin Koch, one of the top Swedish players in the world and a three-time Solheim Cup player for Europe, echoed the sentiments shown by the LET.
“I fully support the initiative from the LET to help in the relief effort,” said Koch.
“I am lucky that I have not lost anyone near to me, but I know of many people that have lost loved ones, and several families from my home town are still missing.
“Being a mother, I especially hurt for parents who have lost children and for the little ones that no longer have a family.”
World number one Annika Sorenstam also conveyed her thoughts during this difficult time.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone that has been affected by this horrible tragedy,” she said. “To all of the families that were personally affected, my heart goes out to you.”
