I am co-coordinating assistance for a goan family who have been displaced by the "Katrina" hurricane in New Orleans.

The family, Nancy and Hector Paes-are currently living with relatives in the Queens area of New York city. They have lost everything including their home and have no intention of returning to New Orleans. They are currently looking for employment in New York.

My dear friends, this is my first personal appeal to help fellow goans in distress, and I had to use this exercise as a last resort as aid is not forthcoming as expected.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Nancy had to leave her mother at a Houston hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, in the process, Nancy's mother got a stroke and is now confined to a wheelchair. She has since been discharged from the hospital and is being looked after by various family members. Although all her hospital expenses have been taken care by Medicaid she will require personal care.

I have approached the San Francisco-based Goa Sudharop charitable organization. We are also contacting the GOA (New York) and other goans in New York.

My wife, Edna has been co-ordinating with Dianne Nunes of the Caring Committee of the Goan Association of New Jersey for assistance in the form of clothes (including winter clothing) and some prepared foods. The Association's Planning Committee- which is an appendage to executive committee- meets this Saturday to discuss among other issues assistance for the extended family. (Edna and myself are members of the Planning Committee).

The family have accepted the fact that aid will take a long time to come. I can vouch for the genuineness of the displaced family.

Any assistance - preferably money (cheques payable to Goan Overseas Association) will be greatly appreciated and the GOA is prepared to assist in the collection of the funds which can be sent to the G.O.A. (Toronto) at the following address. The GOA/GCO will forward the funds to the family. There will be no tax receipt issued.