Rebuild Communities by Playing Fair & Getting Involved
Recently, two grand natural disasters impacted our small globe: a typhoon in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and a fierce earthquake in China, both claiming tens of thousands of lives. As I read and see the news reports, my heart sinks with the lives lost and the thousands left behind to rebuild, suffering lack of shelter, clean water and food.
As global citizens and/or people of faith, what is our responsibility to help the suffering? Easy and simple: pray, give, go, heal the sick, clothe the naked, give food to the hungry, and help the widows and orphans. In addition, thinking short and long term, we need to help them rebuild economically through fair trade and just trading practices. It is not enough to drop off aid and wave our hands when goods are delivered. We must take a stand, get involved, and fight for the needs of the poor through ethical and socially responsible trading practices.
Unfortunately, oppressive government regimes, like Myanmar, refuse outside help though the inhabitants are in desperate need. It is heart wrenching to see the suffering amid great horror, with no relief in sight because of the controlling dictatorship. Although our US government has its problems, I am grateful to live in a country where help is available in time of need.
Freedom is a gift.
China and the devastating earthquake
Get involved in helping the suffering in China by giving to the following organizations:
American Red Cross
P.O. Box 4002018
Des Moines, IA 50340-2018
(800) HELP-NOW
AmeriCares
88 Hamilton Ave.
Stamford, CT 06902
(800) 486-4357
Direct Relief International
27 South La Patera Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
(805) 964-4767
Mercy Corps
Dept. W
P.O. Box 2669
Portland, OR 97208
(888) 256-1900
Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) and the deadly typhoon
The military dictatorship in Myanmar refuses outside help as their greed for power and selfish insecurities takes precedence over the needs of the majority. It is a disgusting reminder of the filth of corruption, greed and sinfulness of man. Read the NY Times article and see the video for more information.
Consider helping the Myanmar people by financially giving to the following humanitarian relief agencies:
Care International
151 Ellis Street, NE
Atlanta, GA 30303-2440
USA
Tel: 1-404-681-2552, 1-800-521-CARE
Fax: 1-404-577-5977
Direct Relief
Direct Relief International
27 S. La Patera Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Phone: 805-964-4767
Fax: 805-681-4838
Save the Children
2000 L Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
202-640-6600