HRD Raising Money to Benefit Tsunami Victims

The HRD started raising money this week for the benefit of the victims of the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia last month. The death toll stands at more than 150,000 and millions of people, including many orphaned children, have been left without shelter. The HRD will match every euro raised during the campaign.

The Belgian diamond organization has erected a tent in Hoveniersstraat, the main street in the Antwerp diamond district, and under the slogan “Diamond Tsunami Fund,” HRD staff are collecting contributions.

In addition, the organization has placed collection boxes in the four diamond bourses and banks that do business with the diamond trade . The money raised will be handed over to the relief fund “Tsunami 12 12”.

“With this activity, the Belgian diamond sector wishes to show its solidarity and express its concern about the human drama that is taking place," HRD managing director Peter Meeus said. "We hope that our efforts will somehow help to alleviate the suffering and also contribute to the victims’ recovery over the long term.”.

The Antwerp center has strong commercial ties in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia.