THORNBURY Round Table members are pulling out all the stops to help tsunami victims.

The organisation has given £1,000 has also pledged all profits from this year's Burns Night celebrations due to be held at the Armstrong Hall on Saturday. The money is going to the Round Table Britain and Ireland South East Asia Disaster Fund which has already donated more than £60 000 towards providing food and shelter.

Round Tabler Nigel Glasgow said the organisation was in a unique position in that it had established organisations within the disaster area.

"Therefore, the money will be sent directly to Round Table Sri Lanka and Round Table India," he said.

"These on the ground experts are local and will ensure that everything we give them is used for the humanitarian effort. None of the money donated will be lost in administration fees."

Money raised from 2004 events such as the firework display in the Mundy playing field and the Santa's sleigh totalled more than £6000 which is being donated to good causes, organisations and individuals, the majority of which are Thornbury and Bristol based.

The tsunami donation was part of pledges totalling £3,600 made at Round Table's first business meeting of 2005. Beneficiaries included Hammer Out, the Alveston-based charity supporting people with brain tumours and their carers, and Thornbury and District Old People's Welfare Committee, towards minibus running costs.

Mr Glasgow said: "Thornbury Round Table is about more than hosting events and raising money for charity. It is part of a national organisation for like-minded 18-45 year olds. It is an excellent way to make new friends and a good antidote to the stresses of modern day living.

"Anyone interested in joining - and having fun while putting something back into the community - should come along to one of our meetings - without commitment - and see what we are all about."

Local charities seeking assistance should call Nigel on 01454 414082, visit www.thornbury.org.uk/orgs/roundtable or email ThornburyRoundTable-owner@yahoogroups