Cyclone Relief Update: Working with Thailand
By theprofessionalhobo ~ May 10th, 2008. Filed under: Burma cyclone relief, Thailand.
It has been a tiresome 24 hours since my last update here and our idea to deliver aid to the Burmese in whatever grassroots way we can. But progress seems to be happening, and in absolutely amazing ways.
We have now established contact with the Chiang Mai Rotary Club, who in turn has contact with the Thai Air Force. We have gone from renting a truck ourselves and delivering supplies, to potentially having a C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft at our disposal!
The beauty of this initiative is that although Burma (Myanmar) is still refusing international aid and access, they are accepting help from neighbouring ally Thailand. As such, it appears that if we are able to raise money from friends, family, Canadians, and even international connections (and we already have people in Germany and the UK who want to help), that these dollars will purchase aid that will actually reach those in need, while other contributions are being held up at the border.
This is an uphill battle, riddled with logistical obstacles. First, we await a meeting with the Chiang Mai Rotary and Thai Air Force. Once we know what we are working with, we will begin to raise money and accept donations.
Accepting donations is another can of worms we are trying to sort through. We want to be transparent in our efforts, but from our initial research establishing a non-profit organization or charity and associated bank account is no easy task, especially from afar.
We simply have to trust that solutions will come, and everything will fall into place as necessary.
Again, any suggestions or support you can give us will be greatly appreciated.
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