Oxfam Canada’s Emergency Response in Burma

Oxfam Canada is a member of The Humanitarian Coalition, a network of Canadian NGOs who when they decide to fundraise for a humanitarian agency, take a united approach: they use one call centre, one phone number and a joint website for on-line donations. www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca; 1-800-464-9154

 

The four agencies, Save the Children, Care, Oxfam Canada and Oxfam Quebec, have long established credentials as humanitarian relief organizations. Working together, The organizations are not competing for the attention of the Canadian public; we are working together for a common cause.

The United Nations is estimating that 1.5 million people have been affected by the Cyclone. It is believed that up to 100,000 are feared dead.

 

Immediate needs are:

• Plastic sheets for shelter and latrines
• Water purification tablets
• Food
• Health kits including medicines
• Clothes and blankets
• Gasoline as fuel prices have risen 500%.

 

We estimate that 40% of the people affected by this emergency are children.

 

We are already delivering plastic sheets for shelter and latrines, water and food along with health care supplies.

 

This is a very serious emergency that will require substantial international assistance. We have a network of staff already on the ground delivering the supplies.

 

We would not launch the appeal if we were not confident the aid would be delivered into the hands of those who need it.

 

The total donations that have been received to date total $70,000.

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

 

This is a major disaster. The needs are huge and growing. After immediate humanitarian needs, recovery and reconstruction work will go on for months or years. Assessments are still underway in the country and donations are sorely needed.

 

Canadians are urged to support the relief efforts of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION members through cash donations.

www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca

1-800-464-9154