Eleven days after a cyclone devasted Myanmar, relief efforts are finally beginnng to make a bit of progress. While restrictions on reporters are limiting the amount of photos and video coming out of the country, those images that have emerged depict extraordinary suffering. If you are moved to help, here are some simple options:
Use the press releases and other information at the UN Refugee Agency's Web site to write a letter to the editor of your local paper, asking readers to help.
Buy graduation, wedding or Father's Day gifts at heartof.com or iGive.com and designate Myanmar-involved World Vision, Save the Children or the International Rescue Committee as your chosen charity. A percentage of your purchases from popular retailers will be donated to your designated cause at no extra expense to you.
Tell a teacher about the UN Refugee Agency’s resources for classrooms. Kids can then come up with their own ideas for reaching out to Myanmar's children.
Support the efforts of UNICEF by using Windows Live™ Messenger or Windows Live Hotmail®, Each time you use these free services, Microsoft donates a portion of ad revenue to the organization you choose.
Download a CARE International ringtone; remind yourself and your companions to take meaningful action every time your phone rings.
Cash donations allow relief organizations to purchase more than individuals can, buy locally from survivors, and direct aid to where it's needed most. Here are some reputable aid groups that are accepting donations for their work in Myanmar:
World Food Programme:
CARE International:
UN Refugee Agency:
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Make a Difference in Myanmar
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1 comment:
Reading about this disaster every day in the newspaper left me feeling helpless and angry about the situation. I kept thinking that if I just write a check, will it do any good if no aide is reaching the country? The suggestions in this article about what I can do to help that aren't just about money and the links to reputable relief organizations make me feel like I can make a difference.
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