One year ago, we struggled to comprehend how a tsunami could sweep away so many lives so quickly across such a vast area. With one devastating act of nature, a part of the world was permanently transformed, and the aftershock would travel around the globe. Yet even as we stared in disbelief at the horrific television images, our focus shifted to a compassionate need to help the living.

From generous corporate and foundation contributions to proceeds from lemonade stands and penny drives, many chose the American Red Cross to be their partner in aiding these survivors, and for that, we are grateful. We heard from children asking for tsunami donations in lieu of birthday gifts. We learned of families who asked those mourning their loved ones to direct their expressions of sympathy to the Red Cross. These donations constituted the largest support for an American Red Cross international relief effort in our 125-year history—on par with the enormity of the disaster that prompted them.

This report shares how the American Red Cross turned your considerate acts of kindness into immediate action in the aftermath of this epic tragedy. It highlights the courage of the tsunami’s survivors and the resilience they have demonstrated as they work to restore their lives and communities. It also describes how we are joining with other humanitarian organizations, including our partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, foreign governments, and, most importantly, the survivors themselves in planning and implementing the long-term effort to restore sustainable communities that they can call home.

In doing so, we keep in mind that "home" means much more than a roof over one’s head. It is a place where families can be together and stay healthy. A home is part of a community that cares for and educates its children, provides a livelihood for their parents and imbues its people with the sense of belonging essential to our humanity.

The compassion of our supporters shines through in this effort. We thank our donors for directing their help through the American Red Cross and our partners for working with us to bring hope to the survivors. We pledge to continue to use your contributions transparently and effectively as we help more and more families regain a place to call home.

Sincerely,

Marsha J. Evans President & CEO