Jacob Banda, president of the Diamonds Dealers Club of New York, has appealed to DDC members and other diamond organizations to contribute to the recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast region devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

“It is critical that substantial aid be made immediately available to victims of the disaster,” said Banda in his announcement.

He called on DDC members to contribute directly to charitable institutions (those “listed in news reports”) now providing relief to survivors of Hurricane Katrina. The DDC itself is working to raise funds for those who have suffered severely from the hurricane.

Banda also urged fellow diamond industry organizations—including the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association—to aid those harmed by this disaster.

Speaking on behalf of the DDC, Banda expressed sincere sympathy for all those affected by the calamity. “It is our hope,” he said, “that Hurricane Katrina’s victims will be able to emerge from this terrible tragedy and begin the long road to recovery.”

JCK