 HALF the money raised by the ECHO's fundraising concert will go direct to Liverpool's tsunami twin in Sri Lanka. We are aiming to raise £50,000 to help the humanitarian effort in the Indian Ocean and half will go direct to Galle. The Sri Lankan coastal town was devastated by massive waves on Boxing Day. Liverpool councillors have announced a five-year plan to help rebuild it. Not all the ECHO'S fundraising cash will be heading to Sri Lanka. The other 50% will be donated to the Disaster Emergency Committee which is overseeing aid efforts for the whole of the affected region. The Tsunami Gala Concert - dubbed Scouse Aid - will feature some of Liverpool's top talent at the Philharmonic Hall on February 11. Galle is the fourth largest city in Sri Lanka and is one of the country's major commercial ports. Galle was chosen by councillors Flo Clucas, Linda-Jane Buckle and Warren Bradley who came up with the idea because of its similarities to Liverpool. Cllr Clucas said a £25,000 donation would have a massive impact. She said: "It doesn't sound like that much money in the UK when it comes to rebuilding a town. "But it is a huge amount in Sri Lanka. It will be able to provide housing for families, boats for fishermen and reconstruct schools." Liverpudlians are being encouraged to spare 50p each a week for five years to help the Hands Across the Sea charity appeal, which will work in tandem with charities in the town. The Warrington- based Epiphany Trust is already at the scene. Director Bill Hampson flew out to the stricken town today. The father-of-three said: "It's an ideal town for us to help. An large proportion of the population was killed by the disaster. "It is a very good link because like Liverpool it attracts a number of people because of its wealth of maritime history. We all felt it was right to donate there." Originally built by the Dutch, the Sri Lankan sea port was extended during British colonial rule. About 10,000 people - more than 10% of the population - from Galle were killed in the disaster. 'Magnificent' response > > > | 
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