Myanmar Aid - Donations

As some of you know, my friend Michael Shirk has been living and working in Yangon, Myanmar since 2005 as a band director. He is currently there, helping the Red Cross distribute food and water, bags of rice, and clean water in Yangon. Because of the lack of volunteers, and the difficulties imposed by the Burmese government upon granting visas to aid workers makes the support of those already in the country that much more imperative. The first UN Aid plane arrived in Myanmar only today. The Burmese government has stated it will accept international aid, but it will be distributed by the government - the corrupt military junta that has been in power since 1962. US officials believe the death toll may reach 100,000.

Because of the difficulties imposed on aid organizations in getting aid into the country, I am depositing money in his bank account via Paypal to use for direct relief efforts in Yangon. Mike currently has cash in the country, but due to Myanmar's infrastructure, it is difficult to send money of any sort in. This deposit will either repay his personal investment, or if it is possible to do so, his mother may be able to wire transfer the money to Myanmar when services are more restored. Every little bit helps in a country where people scrape by on less than $2/day and rice currently costs $40/bag.

Please let me know if you would like to help donate to his efforts in Yangon or if you would like further clarification. I will forward the information to him and his mother and give information on how to send funds via Paypal.

As always, your good wishes and prayers are also appreciated.