In the same way that the aid pledges by governments continue to rise on a daily basis, the wider Asian community has also woken and is starting to get to grips with the extent of Asia's destruction by the tsunami. We might have been caught unawares but now there's no shortage of people trying to make up for it.

To their credit, the religious groups we off to a start quite sooner than anyone else had woken up to the extent of the disaster. The Hindu Council of Britain had sent out an invitation to prayer and discussions on fund raising by the evening of the disaster. The charities Islamic Relief and Muslim Aid had also swung into action by the next day, as had some international Sikh organisations like United Sikhs.

As others have also pointed out, the timing of the disaster has been crucial. Over a news heavy period it would have been relegated to the inside pages within days. Instead the sustained coverage has galvanised the British public and the younger Asian generation like never before.

More than one record company is planning the Asian charity single in a bid to raise money. Some say however that a single wouldn't be efficient since the costs related to producing, releasing and marketing a single are considerable. That isn't stopping Realtone records though, among others.

MTV's Tim Kash, who is partly of Sri Lankan origin, will be flying out to Sri Lanka next week to film an observational documentary on the tragedy. AiM has learnt the documentary is scheduled to be broadcast next month on MTV Asia, Europe and the USA. Proceeds from MTV's own Asia Music Awards to be held next month will be donated to charity.

Currently, below are some of the events being organised to raise money for charity.

Award winning Edinburgh based chef Tommy Miah, is auctioning himself, along with staff from his Raj restaurant to cook a special meal for up to a thousand people anywhere in the world. Proceeds from the sale to the highest bidder will all go to help the Asian tsunami victims. The auction is taking place here on Ebay. More details with Mary Rahman: 020 7749 1136.

Movie magazine publisher Sunny Suri is organising a charity event at London's Cirque on Tuesday 18th January. The event will feature live PAs from Raghav and singer Xena, supported by Kiss FM's Shortee Blitz. Tickets are £10 each. All money raised will go to DEC.

Radio 1 DJ Nihal is hosting his monthly Bombay Bronx event on the same night at the Notting Hill Arts Club. A standard charge of £5 will apply to all and the money raised will be matched by the Arts Club. More information on that event here.

The Cinnamon Club is holding a special fundraising lunch on Sunday the 23rd of January from which all proceeds will go to The Red Cross Asia Earthquake and Flood Appeal. A normal lunch service will run from 12- 3.30 and will cost £50 per person including wine. More details on their website.

Singer Taz from Stereo Nation is organising and performing a charity gig in Coventry on the 29th of January. The event, which will be held at the Mercia Sporting Club for an audience of around 800, will be hosted and compered by BBC Asian Network presenter Sonia Deol.

Sonia Deol is also hosting another event, along with Raj and Pablo, at Birmingham's Second City Suite, to raise money for the tsunami appeal. Featuring a whole host of Bhangra stars, dinner will be provided on the night. Raffle prizes are also being donated. For more info contact: 0121 666 7610.

North East England's Spice FM 87.9 has joined forces with Newcastle United football club and the Newcastle Falcons rugby club to raise money for the tsunami victims. The Toon Army and Jonny Wilkinson’s rugby club, the Newcastle Falcons have both donated official signed shirts to Spice FM to auction, which will be held on the Breakfast Show, hosted by DJ Sand.