PEOPLE across Suffolk have today remained unstinting in helping the victims of the South Asian Tsunami disaster.Individuals, societies and even nightclubs are doing their best to help all those affected by the earthquake try to piece their lives back together.

PEOPLE across Suffolk have today remained unstinting in helping the victims of the South Asian Tsunami disaster.

Individuals, societies and even nightclubs are doing their best to help all those affected by the earthquake try to piece their lives back together.

And today the town was due to join others across the European Union in holding a three minute silence at noon in remembrance of all those killed.

A maroon rocket was due to be fired in Christchurch Park at the beginning and the end of the period of silence and Mayor of Ipswich, Roger Fern was due to observe the silence on Ipswich Town Hall steps.

When the Suffolk Sri Lankan community appealed for clothing and medical supplies through The Evening Star straight after the disaster, little did they know how big the response would be.

They asked people to donate the goods to four garages in and around Ipswich, and have since collected more than 500 black bin liners.

Anura Wimalananda , who lives in Roundwood Road, Ipswich, is originally from Sri Lanka and found out his 31-year-old daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons were almost killed in the disaster.

He said: "The rest of the street were killed but my family survived by hanging on to pieces of the furniture.

"After the disaster we just wanted to help people from our home country as they need everything at the moment, even the smallest of things we take for granted here.

"But we did not expect such a good response and people have been most generous. I cannot thank them enough."

One man donated 15 bags of bed linen and the Ipswich Hospital gave medical supplies. The goods filled a 40ft container to be sent off to Sri Lanka.

Roy Alcock, 57, of Windrush Road, Ipswich had his head shaved at a New Year party to raise money for the appeal.

He said: "One of my friends had received a set of hair clippers for Christmas and said he would shave my hair off.

"I said if they could raise £200 between them for the appeal they could do it – and they were very quick to put their hands in their pockets."

Mr Alcock has now raised a total of £260 and is asking for anyone who wishes to contribute to contact him on 07860334656.

Party goers can also do their bit for the appeal at club Fire and Ice on Friday .

The club will be holding their regular night's event from 9.30pm-2.30am but instead of charging an admission fee, donations will be asked for.

Gavin Lamb, promotions manager for the club, said: "We wanted to do something bigger by raising a whole event but realised the money is needed now and it thought it would take too long.

"We will be asking for a minimum donation of £1 and with a 700 capacity should raise a fair bit.

"The staff will also be donating all of their tips for the night to the appeal."

n. Let us know of your ways of helping the Tsunami victims by calling the Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788.