Humanitarian Relief Efforts in Response to Myanmar Cyclone, Earthquake

Donations for relief efforts can be made to the American Red Cross International Response Fund and the Tzu Chi Foundation, "Support Myanmar with Love".

FLUSHING, NY Council Member John C. Liu and community members voiced concern about the recent catastrophes caused by tropical Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the earthquake this morning in the Sichuan Province of China.

Council Member Liu stated: "Between the Myanmar cyclone earlier this month and the earthquake today in Sichuan, the Asian community in New York has been heavily impacted. Communications are not yet fully up in the heaviest hit areas in Sichuan, but it's heartening to know that New Yorkers are stepping up with expressions of sympathy and offers of
aid relief. This is once again about people coming together to help others in need."

Assemblymember Ellen Young stated: "This is a critical time, so soon after these disasters, that people will need the most help, and it is crucial for those of us who are more fortunate to lend a hand. This country's real power lies not in its physical prowess, but in the compassion of its people. I encourage everyone to help in any way that they can."

Donations for relief efforts can be made:
American Red Cross International Response Fund
P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018.
800) HELP-NOW
http://www.redcross.org

Tzu Chi Foundation, "Support Myanmar with Love"
137-77 Northern Blvd. in Flushing, Queens.
(718) 888-0866
http://www.tzuchi.org

Christophe Lobry-Boulanger, Director of International Services for the American Red Cross-Greater New York: "The number of casualties is in the tens of thousands. The Sichuan provincial disaster relief headquarters reports that 80 percent of the buildings collapsed in the Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County. The American Red Cross is already
on the ground assisting those in need and assessing the damages. The Red Cross is there around the corner, around the nation and around the globe." The American Red Cross International Response Fund provides immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Scott Huang, a representative of the Tzu Chi Foundation, a volunteer-based non-profit organization with chapters throughout the world, said Tzu Chi volunteers have been on the ground in Myanmar (aka Burma) to provide aid in the form of 30,000 blankets made from recycled plastic bottles and over 1,000 tents, food, medical supplies and body bags.