Cyclone Nargis devastates Myanmar

06/05/2008

THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION calls for donations as hundreds of thousands affected Ottawa, ON (May 6, 2008) - Canadian aid agencies, under the banner of the Humanitarian Coalition, are urging Canadians to support their emergency relief efforts in Myanmar after the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis. Recent reports suggest the death toll will exceed 25,000 while hundreds of thousands of people have been made homeless due to the mass devastation.

The HUMANITARIAN COALITION, comprised of CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec and Save the Children Canada, are working together to address the needs of the thousands of people displaced by the cyclone. "Access to Myanmar's southeastern delta is extremely limited" said David Morley, President and CEO of Save the Children Canada. He continued "However we do know that the immediate needs of the people must be addressed and we are doing all that we can to access those affected by this horrific situation." There is an urgent need for food, shelter, safe water, medicine, clothing and blankets. "We urgently call on Canadians to help in these most critical hours of the emergency. Our Coalition agencies have the expertise and capacity in Myanmar to bring help rapidly to the cyclone survivors" said CARE Canada's President and CEO Kevin McCort. Four of Canada's leading relief organizations are coordinating a fundraising appeal to respond to the survivors in Myanmar. Through a single toll-free number, Canadian donations will be allocated where they are needed most. - 30 - Canadians are asked to donate to THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION by calling 1-800-464-9154, logging onto http://www.humanitariancoalition.ca, or by mailing donations to THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION, PO Box 7023,  Ottawa, ON, K1L 5A0. For background on the mission and current programs run by the four agencies, please visit http://www.humanitariancoalition.ca The four agencies have spokespeople (French and English-speaking) available for interviews on the emergency response. Media Contact: Sue Rooks, Save the Children Canada, Media Relations, The Humanitarian Coalition, , Cell: 647-273-7134