Fundraising update - Cyclone Nargis
Kate Dicks May 16th, 2008
You may have read about the fantastic fundraising efforts that the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company are carrying out in the Delta in cooperation with Merlin, a UK based aid agency (update on our blog). Two of the Pandaw fleet are now navigating the Delta taking supplies to those in need, as well as acting as floating hospitals. We have donated $2,000 to the fund, knowing that this money will bring immediate relief to the Burmese people affected by this terrible catastrophe. Orient Express, which operates the beautiful Governor’s Residence hotel in Yangon and the river cruiser Road to Mandalay, has also established a fund, and $20,000 has already been distributed to various projects in the Delta. Furthermore, the company’s full time doctor is also in the region providing essential medical assistance. Beneficiaries of future funds will be UK-based Shelterbox Trust, which provides emergency life saving kits in the form of a tough, green plastic box containing a ten person waterproof tent and ancillary equipment designed to enable a family of up to ten people to survive for at least six months, as well as Merlin, Save The Children and World Vision.
At Audley we have all been moved by what is happening in Burma. Those of us that have visited the country and have experienced the warmth and generosity of the Burmese people at first hand are desperate to give something back. Next week the Southeast Asia department will be kicking off our series of fundraising events with a BBQ lunch and fancy dress day. We are charging everyone for the privilege of coming to work in the regional dress of their specialist country, as well as for a tasty lunch. Just as well I have a number of traditional Burmese longyi at home. Proceeds from this event will go to our local agent in Burma who is working round the clock to get more and more supplies to Syriam and its surrounding villages (see the other Blog updates for more details on this project).
In the coming weeks we also have a charity football match lined up as well as a client fundraiser. As Chairman of the fundraising committee I will keep you updated as our plans develop and dates are finalised. Proceeds from these events will be used for longer term recovery projects, which we are currently sourcing with the help of our local agent. Personally, I would like to see us getting involved in rebuilding schools or hospitals, or as one client has suggested, establishing medical clinics in the Delta.
In the aftermath of the tsunami Audley raised a massive amount of money for the DEC, we are now a bigger company and I’m confident that we can at least double this figure. Thank you to those clients who have already made donations to our fund. If anyone else would like to donate please call our Burma specialists on 01993 838 105.
- Burma Cyclone , Southeast Asia
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