The Diamond Dealers Club in New York City on Tuesday made an appeal to the “entire family of the diamond industry worldwide to contribute to charitable institutions providing relief to survivors” of the earthquake and tsunamis that have devastated countries in South and Southeast Asia.

In addition, DDC president Jacob Banda said the organization is pledging $10,000 “from its own funds to help those so severely affected by the Tsunami.” He also made a specific appeal for DDC members to contribute.

Banda noted that the catastrophe “shattered lives across several countries, including India and Thailand, both leading members of the World Federation and Diamond Bourse and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association.”

Banda said that industry members can either contribute directly to relief agencies or send funds to the “Diamond Dealers Club-Tsunami Relief Fund,” at the DDC, 580 Fifth Ave. at 47th St., N.Y., N.Y. 10036.

“It is our hope that all those affected will be able to emerge from this terrible tragedy, and begin the long road to recovery,” Banda said.

JCK