The Asian tsunami disaster has truly touched people throughout this country.

I work at Lewisham Hospital, where staff have organised a bring and buy sale and the older classes at my children's primary school are fundraising too.

In contrast to the many terrible news stories I read each week, such simple generosity restores my faith in humanity.

People have been asking what they can do and most realise problems such this are not solved overnight.

As an Oxfam supporter, I know natural disasters kill nearly 50 times as many people in poor countries as they do in rich countries.

Poverty itself claims 200,000 lives a week more than the tsunamis.

This is why Oxfam, which is at the forefront of disaster relief, is also campaigning to Make Poverty History. People who want to do more than just give money can offer to help in any Oxfam shop or visit oxfam.org.uk for more ideas.

Penelope Jarrett
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