Yellowknife (Jan 07/05) - City council is looking to join the chorus of Canadians seeking to aid tsunami-stricken countries with financial aid.

On Tuesday, Premier Joe Handley announced his government will be contributing $50,000 to help tsunami victims in Southeast Asia, where more than 150,000 people are now reported dead.

The same day of Handley's announcement, Coun. Doug Witty introduced a motion asking the city to contribute up to $20,000, to be matched with donations made by Yellowknife residents through a fund set up by City Hall.

Witty's plan calls for the money to come out of city council's $100,000 contingency fund. He said he struggled with the idea of providing money supplied by taxpayers -- noting his hold-the-line position on council. But Witty said he felt a contribution from the city would be a worthy endeavour, considering the "unprecedented" destruction left in the tsunami's wake.

"It's been described as the worst disaster in recorded history," said Witty. "They need long-term help."

Most councillors appear ready to support Witty's motion, although some suggested it would be easier to donate $20,000 to the federal government's relief efforts. The feds have promised to match contributions made by Canadian citizens.

"I think there are times when you need to step outside of your community," said Coun. Bob Brooks. "(But) I think the money should go to the federal government. Then the funds would be automatically matched."

The lone hold-out to donating city funds was Coun. Alan Woytuik, who said it wasn't in the city's mandate to contribute to global causes.

"We just went through a horrendous budget debate where we looked at every nickel and dime, and now we're talking about giving it away," said Woytuik, adding his stance won't stop him from making a private donation of his own to relief efforts.

Coun. Wendy Bisaro went one step further than Witty, saying that council should consider making "ongoing donations over a period of years," because it will likely take a long time for some of the stricken areas to recover.

"Now I'm really opposed," countered Woytuik.

Council will formally vote on the motion at the next regular public meeting this Monday night.

• The NWT Broomball Association, the Yellowknife Ravens, and Yellowknife Rebels have pledged $1,000 each to the Canadian Red Cross. The Yellowknife ladies broomball league are contributing an additional $500. The Broomball Association is encouraging other NWT sports organizations to match their contribution up to $3,500.
• Students and staff at St. Patrick high school are collecting money. Their first deposit is expected Jan. 11 to meet federal deadline for matching dollars.
• The Native Women's Association of the NWT are hosting a stew and bannock lunch, Jan. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northern United Place. The lunch will include musical entertainment by George Tuccaro, John Tees, and Bobby Bouvier.
• Students at Ecole St. Joseph are holding a family lunch day, Jan. 21, featuring fruit kebabs in tribute to Southeast Asian dishes. They are also organizing a "silver drive" to collect extra loose change people might have, and a fundraising dance, Feb. 14.
• The 2005 CoolAID committee is putting together a benefit concert at the Polar Bowl Pub, Jan. 14. Proceeds will go to the Red Cross. Tickets are $20.

National fundraising efforts as of Thursday

• Canadian Red Cross -- $48 million; www.redcross.ca, 1-800-418-1111
• World Vision -- $8 million; www.worldvision.ca
• Unicef -- $5.5 million; www.unicef.ca
• Oxfam -- $2.6 million; www.oxfam.ca
• Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace -- over $1 million; www.devp.org

The federal government will match private donations made before Jan. 11.