As many of you know, Cyclone Nargis battered Burma/Myanmar (“Burma”) on May 2. According to the United Nations, an estimated 24 million people live in the affected areas, including 6 million people in Yangon.
Although the information of reported deaths vary dramatically, the Burmese government has reported 22,464 dead and 41,000 missing. The UN estimates that up to 1 million people are in need of shelter. Access to clean, safe water and other basic necessities are also priorities.
Many international non-governmental organizations have not been able to enter the country to provide relief. As of the morning of May 6, even UN relief personnel had not been granted visas. The American Embassy in Yangon has instructed all non-essential Americans in Burma to leave the country in order to not draw down on scarce essentials.
Because of a current lack of large international aid organizations working in Burma, organizations with existing ties to local, Burmese partners can fill the void by providing much needed assistance during this crucial period. Members of CABA and the B.K. Kee Foundation are all originally from Burma and remain active in the Burmese community. Because of our deep, existing ties to Burma, we have already started providing much needed necessities to local monasteries and local, Burmese NGOs. Funds raised will initially be directed toward increasing access to clean, safe water, shelter, food and medical supplies.
Many people have expressed an interest in helping with disaster relief or more longer term assistance in the country. You can help in the relief effort by sending a check to:
Charitable Alliance of Burmese Americans*P.O. Box 1786
Burlingame, CA 94011-1786
Please note the “B.K. Kee Foundation” in the memo line of your check**
*Charitable Alliance of Burmese Americans (CABA) is a 501(c)(3) organization, and its tax ID number is 20-1807455. All donations to CABA are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
**The B.K. Kee Foundation, a private, family foundation, intends to match donations to CABA for relief efforts up to a maximum amount of $100,000. The B.K. Kee Foundation’s mission is to provide humanitarian aid, primarily in health and education, to all people of Burma. The Foundation seeks to advance this mission by: (1) acting as a catalyst for self-sustaining programs, (2) emphasizing direct or local support and/or partnerships with, or grants to, organizations with minimal administrative cost structures, (3) not considering political, economic, or religious interests in assessing the people’s needs, and (4) identifying and concentrating on needs and projects that have historically not been the focus of other charities.
Please contact us at 650-491-3434 if you have any questions.