Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Edinburgh - Taskforce swings into action to spearhead the Capital's fundraising efforts

Taskforce swings into action to spearhead the Capital's fundraising efforts A TASKFORCE has been launched to co-ordinate Edinburgh’s efforts to help the victims of the Boxing Day tsunami. Millionaire Sir Tom Farmer, leaders of the city’s political parties and NHS Lothian chairman Brian Cavanagh have been among those invited to a meeting on Monday in a bid to spearhead the fundraising and long-term aid responses. Lord Provost Lesley Hinds will head up the taskforce. Meanwhile, Hogmanay revellers will also be asked to give cash to those affected by the crisis, which has hit countries including Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India. All money raised will be channelled directly into the Disasters and Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal, which represents various leading charities. Councillor Hinds today said: "There will be a major planning and building programme required in the affected countries and technical knowledge as well as funds will be needed. Edinburgh is full of people with both the good will and the expertise to make a difference and we want to channel that where it is needed most." Managers of The Playhouse and the producers of Mamma Mia! have also collected around £20,000 for Oxfam from audiences this week. James Haworth , Playhouse general manager, said: " We’ve had 12,000 people through the doors for the five shows, and to raise as much as we have is excellent. People have been so shocked by this, and I’ve never known such a cause to generate such generosity." Hibs have also announced a one-minute silence will be observed before the derby match on Sunday as a mark of respect for the tens of thousands of people dead or missing. The club will also help raise money by giving the proceeds of the half-time draw at the match to the DEC. Staff at Scottish Gas in Granton are also helping to raise money for the appeal, by distributing collection tins. Engineers and sales staff will take part in the fundraising with workers giving money to the DEC during several "dress down days". Scottish Gas spokesman Steve McCaffery said: "The sheer scale of this disaster puts our own problems into perspective. The tsunami has wreaked death and destruction on a vast scale, and we must all do our bit to help." Meanwhile, Edinburgh DJ Tommy Robertson has offered to work for free in a bid to help raise money for the Asian earthquake appeal. Mr Robertson, who runs Mad Hat Man discos, said he will play at any event next week and donate the fee to the appeal. He said: "There are a lot of people who cannot afford to pay out lots of money, but they want to help to do something. So if everyone gives a little at an event where they are enjoying themselves, hopefully we can raise a good amount." The Rotary Club of Leith has also raised more than £4000 after setting up a tent at Ocean Terminal yesterday. Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Edinburgh - Taskforce swings into action to spearhead the Capital's fundraising efforts