Myanmar: Cyclone Nargis

Note: The following appeal is now closed.  You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross

 

A devastating cyclone hit Myanmar on May 2nd leaving a trail of unimaginable destruction in its wake. Latest official figures indicate that more than 84,500 people are dead and over 2.4 million have been affected.

Local Red Cross volunteers continue to be on the frontline, providing emergency assistance, shelter, access to safe drinking water, first aid and psychological support.  In some areas, the Red Cross is the only organization to have provided assistance to vulnerable communities. 

To date, the Red Cross has provided over 500,000 beneficiaries with emergency relief including water, food, shelter and relief supplies.

Once immediate needs have been met people will need help rebuilding their homes, communities and lives.

Canadians wishing to help people affected by the cyclone are encouraged to contribute by donating  online, at one of the nine financial institutions, calling 1-800-418-1111 or contacting their local Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked “Myanmar Cyclone” and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 400 Cooper Street, Suite 8000, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2H8.

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In-kind donations of food, clothing and other items, while well intentioned, are not the best way to help those in need. There are tremendous processing and transportation costs involved in shipping these items to beneficiaries. Local purchases of food and clothing are more culturally appropriate and effective. Red Cross supplies can be purchased in the immediate area, thereby reducing transportation costs. Cash transfers to the affected region provide the optimum flexibility to our Red Cross colleagues so they can meet the most urgent needs.