WOC Sets $100,000 Goal to Support Myanmar Relief Efforts

Wednesday, June 4, A.D. 2008

Even as Myanmar’s ruling regime continues to hinder international relief efforts in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis and the resulting humanitarian crisis slips from the world’s attention, aid is going out every day, and local organizations are reaching thousands of people with relief assistance. Through a well-established network of local community-based organizations, members of Action by Churches Together (ACT), including Church World Service (CWS), are assisting more than 100,000 people since Cyclone Nargis devastated this south Asian country and killed perhaps as many as 134,000 people and severely affected nearly 2.5 million.

The ACT/CWS supported organizations are mobilizing hundreds of volunteers and are able to procure relief goods in Yangon and other cities in the Irrawaddy delta region. ACT/CWS local partners are also providing local medical and psycho-social care teams to serve families living in shelters for the displaced and are now expanding their work to rehabilitate some 5000 safe water points; increase emergency shelter programs to assist 340,000 people; distribute non-food items for up to 112,000 people; and provide a ten day supply of food aid to 68,000 of the most vulnerable survivors. Click here to read a story from ACT about the young volunteers who are helping the survivors.

In response to a major appeal from ACT for $5.1 million to provide emergency aid over the next 6 months, CWS has issued a $1 million appeal to its member communions. The Week of Compassion Committee has approved an initial goal of $100,000 on behalf of the Disciples. The incredible outpouring of designated gifts over the past few weeks will help ensure WOC to meet and even exceed that goal. With so many other disasters happening here and throughout the world, these designated gifts help keep our undesignated funds available to meet the critical disaster and development needs elsewhere. Gifts may be made online or sent to WOC, attn: Elaine Cleveland, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206. All gifts are used in their entirety as directed. Thank you!

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