Donate now – Myanmar and Thailand Appeal
Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar and Thailand last week, The Salvation Army internationally has launched an appeal asking for funds to support work on the ground in Myanmar and Thailand.
The Salvation Army has a presence in both nations and is on the ground assessing the situation and preparing to provide much-needed relief and support.
The tragic death toll in Myanmar is now 2000 and rising. A Salvation Army officer (minister) in Myanmar reports: “The damage is severe, and it has made rescue operations very difficult. Important structures like the 90-year-old Irrawaddy River bridge and highways have been badly damaged. Naypyidaw General Hospital was also destroyed, making it even harder to care for injured victims.
“Mandalay Airport is now closed for six months because of the earthquake’s impact, and the main highway to Mandalay is unusable. This situation has slowed rescue and relief efforts.”
Commissioner Janine Donaldson, territorial commander of The Salvation Army New Zealand Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory, says “We know that many are suffering without basic necessities such as food, clean water and shelter”.
“We would appreciate your support to help these communities to recover and rebuild.”
The Army’s presence in Myanmar was established in 1915 and we now have over 100 officers (pastors) and employees there. The Salvation Army in Myanmar is present in up to 50 locations across the country and has provided rapid response and emergency aid during previous natural disasters.
Our territory has a close relationship with Myanmar. “Previous Salvation Army leaders for Myanmar have been New Zealanders,” says Territorial Commander Donaldson. “I know there are many New Zealanders whose hearts ache for what we have seen unfold in Myanmar and would like to help.”
“We are truly grateful for all the support and, as always, every little bit counts, she says. “We also ask for prayers for all the people in Myanmar and Thailand.”
How to donate
Donate here the ‘Donate’ button on the masthead and selecting ‘Myanmar and Thailand’ from the dropdown menu in the ‘Basic Information’ section.
Donate by credit card by calling 0800 53 00 00. Please tell the operator you are donating to the Myanmar and Thailand appeal.
Donate using internet banking by going to salvationarmy.org.nz/donatebybank
Please include ‘Myanmar and Thailand’ as a reference.
The Salvation Army Territorial Media Officer, 021 945 337, email: media@salvationarmy.org.nz (The Media Officer responds to enquiries from media outlets and journalists. If you would like to donate, are in need of help, or have some other non-media-related enquiry, please call 0800 53 00 00.)