over 500 days ago on 26 October 2010, Bruno Pelizzari and Debbie Calitz were taken hostage by Somali pirates, at the entrance to the Mozambique / Madagascar channel. They have been sold over & over to various pirate groups, used as a commodity.
Diplomatic attempts by the South African Government, to secure their release have been unsuccessful.
They are being held in unknown conditions, possibly subject to abuse and/or deprivation. The families are unable to raise anything close to an amount that would be acceptable to the hostage takers and are appealing to the generosity of the public, from all walks of life & all nations.
There are numerous events being arranged in SA, concerts, flyers being distributed, comedy evenings, will all proceeds being generously donated to the trust fund set up to raise the money required by the family, to enable them to negotiate with the pirates. Go facebook and join the page or view a new version of an old song Yellow Ribbon
The original song “Tie a yellow ribbon ‘round the old oak tree” has been re-written with words fitting Bruno & Debbie’s plight. Along with this idea, yellow ribbons are being sold at all events, and privately, to assist in raising the funds.
If you would like to make a donation, please see the bank details below……. Lets bring the world together and help this family get their loved ones back home!
To make a direct transfer or EFT a contribution of your own choice
Acc Name: SOS BRU and DEB TRUST
Acc. No: 6232 556 1505
(Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ)
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
Florida Road, Durban Branch
Branch / IBAN Code: 22 05 26
(Universal Code 250655 may also be used)
My sister told me about this a few weeks ago and typical of her she has thrown herself into this with vigour and came up with the yellow ribbon campaign to raise funds. She has met with family members and knows that this is not a hoax.
I hope that you would be able to support this campaign, even in a small way by sharing this blog and raising the profile of this campaign.
“Writing is a struggle against silence”. Carlos Fuentes
I am personally not a believer in giving money to pirates, as that just gives them more money to buy ammunition and guns and to continue their nefarious work. BUT, and this is a big BUT…. I think to myself….what if these were member of my family…..I would want to bring them home by any means possible.
