Givvy Blog

The images coming out of China are overwhelming.  A child waiting to be rescued from under the rubble - anguish, fear and blood on his face.  Whole families dead.  More than 80% of some towns totally destroyed.  It’s incomprehensible.  Like the Tsunami.  Like thousands of New Orleans residents living in the terror that was the lawless Superdome after Katrina.

The images coming out of Myanmar, when they come at all, are similarly sad.  Bodies floating down the rivers.  Millions of people displaced.  News that as many as 100,000 may die from disease, starvation and lack of safe drinking water.

Like many others, I want to help.  The children of China are no more or less worthy than the children of Myanmar.  So, how come I’m hesitating making a donation for Myanmar?

In one word - uncertainty. I am uncertain that my donation will get to the people who need it given the oppressive military regime and their lack of welcome for aid agencies.  Even today the New York Times is reporting that food meant for people affected by the cyclone has been stolen by the Myanmar military.  Like all donors, I want to know that my efforts are not wasted.  Sadly, it appears that this could be the case in Myanmar.  If this is not the case, then we are being ill-served by the press when they emphasize China and run negative headlines on Myanmar.

If you want to help, our partner Network for Good has put up a couple of pages - one for China and another for Myanmar.  I’m going to support both and place my trust in these organizations to find a way to help as many people in Myanmar as they can.  You can too…

Help the China Earthquake Survivors

Provide Myanmar Relief