Contributions to the ELCIC’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal (GHDA) designated for the Burma Appeal and received by June 13 will be matched dollar for dollar by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Government of Canada announced on May 23.
GHDA issued an appeal for donations to assist with relief effort in the storm-ravaged areas of the low-lying Irrawaddy Delta in Burma (also known as Myanmar) following Tropical Cyclone Nargis on May 2-3. To assist with immediate needs in the affected area, $10,000 from the GHDA Disaster Relief Fund has been forwarded to GHDA partner, Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), who will ensure the funds get to those in most critical need by working with Action By Churches Together (ACT) International.
An ACT International update notes that, "working since the day the cyclone hit, ACT members have provided assistance to more than 100,000 people thus far," in the affected region. United Nations (UN) figures estimate up to 2.5 million people are in extreme need of aid and official figures for the human toll have increased sharply to 77,738 dead, 55,917 missing and 19,359 injured. Four weeks after the cyclone it is likely many of those missing are, in fact, dead, although that will not be known with certainty for a long time.
While ACT International and its member-supported local organizations are currently focusing on getting life-saving assistance out to those in need, ACT also foresees significant rehabilitation challenges including food security and livelihood recovery. Donations to the GHDA-Burma Appeal will be forwarded on to assist with both immediate and long-term relief efforts.
To support relief efforts in Burma, donations can be made as follows:
– Via the ELCIC Website: www.elcic.ca (click on the Donate Now link)
– By mail: GHDA, 302-303 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6 (please indicate "GHDA-Burma Appeal" in the memo portion of the cheque).
– Through all ELCIC Congregations
Further information about the work of ELCIC’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal can be viewed online at www.elcic.ca/ghda.
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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 174,555 baptized members in 620 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.
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Trina Gallop, Manager of Communications
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