Alison Thompson

Alison Thompson is an Australian-American humanitarian, filmmaker, and author, widely recognized for her extensive work in disaster relief and global humanitarian efforts. Born on April 23, 1969, in Sydney, Australia, Thompson has dedicated a significant portion of her life to providing aid and support to communities affected by natural disasters, wars, and other crises around the world.

Early Life and Education

Alison Thompson grew up in Sydney, where she developed an early interest in helping others. She pursued her education in the field of mathematics and initially embarked on a career in finance. However, her path took a dramatic turn following her volunteer work in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Humanitarian Work

Following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Thompson traveled to Sri Lanka to volunteer. What was intended to be a short-term mission extended to a 14-month stay, during which she co-founded the Tsunami Volunteer Center. This center played a crucial role in coordinating relief efforts and rebuilding projects in the affected areas.

Her experience in Sri Lanka profoundly impacted Thompson, leading her to dedicate her life to humanitarian service. She has since been involved in numerous disaster relief operations, including efforts following Hurricane Katrina, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and the Syrian refugee crisis. Thompson's approach to humanitarian work emphasizes the importance of community involvement and sustainable development in disaster-stricken areas.

Filmmaking and Writing

In addition to her humanitarian efforts, Alison Thompson is also a filmmaker and author. She directed and produced the documentary "The Third Wave," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007. The film, presented by Sean Penn, documents the immediate aftermath of the 2004 tsunami and the challenges of long-term recovery efforts. Thompson's book, "The Third Wave: A Volunteer Story," further explores her experiences and the lessons learned from her work in disaster relief.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Thompson has received numerous awards and recognitions for her humanitarian work. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to international humanitarian relief programs and to the film industry. Additionally, Thompson has been honored with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in the United States for her contributions to volunteerism and community service.

Personal Life

Alison Thompson divides her time between the United States and various locations around the world where her humanitarian work takes her. She continues to be an active advocate for global volunteerism and disaster relief, inspiring others to contribute to making a positive impact in the world.

See Also

• Humanitarian aid
• Disaster relief
• Volunteerism