The situation
In the past 5 years, the people of Myanmar have been dragged through COVID, a military coup, devastating floods, the withdrawal of USAID and now a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. These problems have compounded each other; the military government are focused on oppression, infrastructure and services are decimated and people struggle to get hold of the basic necessities of food or healthcare. Their need for help stretches far beyond just this earthquake.
Across the country, communities are left to fend for themselves and too many are struggling. Just hours after the earthquake hit, the military was already bombing civilians. Internet blackouts imposed by the military are still in place preventing people in the worst hit areas from even communicating their needs.
Myanmar doesn't get the publicity of other conflicts but at least now for a small window of time, more people can see and appreciate the struggle they face each and every day, buffeted by one crisis after another.
Use of donations
I'm raising funds to send to Myanmar friends on the Thai-Myanmar border who pass them on directly to a network of grassroots, civil society groups organised across Myanmar distributing vital food aid and providing health care.
They are not a formal charity, few of which remain in Myanmar. They are local people who know what their community needs most and are best placed to provide it, and I want to help them do more of this in an unbearably difficult time.
I have donated through these networks before and find it the most effective way to use my money to help people - I trust them completely. While they do provide certificates and reports, I won't be requesting much from them; I want them to focus their efforts on helping people.
Any amount you can donate will make such a big difference at this time, even if it just covers one meal, it can help someone through another day.
About me
I've been a fundraiser for the past 10 years and I lived in Myanmar for 4 years before the coup forced me to leave. I'm based in the UK and coordinating what little support I can from here. My close Myanmar friends are based in Thailand where they were forced to move after the coup. They work for local charities providing support to Myanmar; I've known and worked with them for years.
I'm happy to speak further with anyone who wants to know more by email at [email protected] our by phone on +44 748 386 7525.
There are a few other great fundraisers being run by other organisations so if you'd prefer to give another way, I can suggest other options to you, just ask.
More information on the situation
Mizzima News Myanmar (Facebook - lots of videos of the situation)