Laga Designs International, Inc. United States

On December 26, 2004, one of the deadliest natural disasters in history struck off the western coast of Sumatra. The earthquake and subsequent tsunamis reportedly killed over 285, 000 people around the rim of the Indian Ocean. Aceh was the closest major city to the earthquake's epicenter. "I saw people screaming, panic stricken, and running from that direction. Cars and motorbikes zoomed by, there were children screaming for their parents. . . " n Santa Ana, California, day trader Roy van Broekhuizen received a call from his church, asking if he would lead a team to Indonesia to help with relief efforts. Crying over bodies, bandaging the injured and working with the people to rebuild homes and schools, that first trip to Indonesia changed Roy's life. "After the first trip, he said, 'Honey, I have to go back. I have to go back. ' " Roy frequently recounts the story of his driver, who told him how the wave snatched his wife and three children, and the stuffy, smelly camps where people sleep on mats. In one camp, he spoke with mostly men, survivors who had lost wives, children and livelihoods. They were grateful to share their stories, to have someone listen. On his dining room table are handbags, wallets, belts, eyeglass covers and other items that he's hauled back in hopes of sparking jobs and money for the Indonesians. Roy, whose family fled Indonesia when he was 9 years old, and wife, Louise, also of Indonesian decent. Wages paid are more than fair; we provide food and housing for those residing at our workshop, a place of peace, refuge and love, and we have built and / or rebuilt homes for some of the families that are working for us there. We are dedicated to providing a secure future for as many victims of disaster as possible and with your help, we will achieve that goal. When you buy a Laga bag, know that you are helping create a better and brighter future for a tsunami survivor, and let it serve as a reminder to tell others they too can help. Thank you so much for your support! We formed Laga Designs International, Inc. to provide income for those who lost their livelihood, but what transpired is much, much more: we developed a personal relationship with the people of Aceh and we left our hearts in their homes. Roy & Louise