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Despite concerns at the apparent lack of co-operation of the military government in Burma, many charities have workers on the ground and any aid pledged by the people of Preston will definitely help to ease the suffering caused by Cyclone Nargis. Up to one million people are estimated to be homeless in Burma as a result of the cyclone - with reports of over 100,000 people killed. There is now urgent need for supplies of fresh water, food and shelter to prevent any more deaths from disease or famine. Council leaders - Councillors Ken Hudson (Conservative), John Collins (Labour) and Danny Gallagher (Liberal Democrat) called upon the whole city to help the Burma appeal and said: "Preston is a generous place and has a proud tradition of helping others in most need. Preston also has historic links with Burma, through the Burma Star Association which saw people from the city based in Burma during the war. "It is heartbreaking to see the appalling suffering and devastation in Burma, and living in an open and democratic society we just can't believe that a government would let people suffer needlessly. "We therefore must be more determined than ever to help the Burmese people. We call upon Prestonians to show them how much we care and give generously to the Burma Disaster Emergencies Committee Appeal.
"In the past schools, colleges, community and faith groups have all helped with fundraising efforts for disaster appeals and we hope the city of Preston will react in a similar way again. "The Council will have its own fundraising collection for the Burma Appeal. People can also make their own individual donations direct to the Burma Disaster Emergency Committee Appeal."
BACKGROUND NOTES 1. Burma Appeal Disasters Emergency Committee: how to give: Website:
http://www.dec.org.uk/ Telephone:
0870 60 60 900 In person:
At any high street bank or post office. Post:
Please send cheques made payable to the 'DEC Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Appeal' to:
PO Box 232
Melksham
SN12 6WF 2. Further information about the situation in Burma can be found from Burma Campaign UK - www.burmacampaign.org.uk/ www.preston.gov.uk |
