Friends of Burma, Inc. Newsletter

We forgot to mention in our last newsletter about the annual Christmas Gift Program. You are invited to take part in our Alternative Christmas Gift initiative, where a $50 donation directly reaches a person or family in great need in Burma (Myanmar). The recipient of your gift typically earns less than $200 per year, so your $50 contribution represents about three months of their income—a truly meaningful gift. Your donation will be provided either in local currency or as an equivalent value in essential supplies to the intended person or family. A widow and her three children share a moment of joy as they receive a small Christmas gift in their humble home. Below is one of the reports from previous years, written by Aye Aye Maw. This is to express my heartfelt thanks for your Christmas gift to the family who are struggling to meet their daily needs. The husband, U T. T. Lay, once sold prata on the street, but his small business suffered greatly due to the impact of COVID-19 and the po...

Announcement Some changes are coming to Friends of Burma. We want to continue this work we have been doing since 1985 but we are aging (Neil is 88 in September and Diana is 86 in December).  For years we have prided ourselves on being an all-volunteer charity but this is no longer the case. For the first time we are having to pay an accountant to do the onerous 990 form which has to be done every year.  It became too difficult for a volunteer to do.  Also we are planning to delegate some of the duties to members of the board of directors.  To this end, we are having a meeting of some of the board members in October.  We still intend to have an active part and we will look into privately funding any of the increased costs of running this charity.  This is just a heads up because we want you all to be aware that we value your support over the years and want you to know that the great need is there.  Your support is greatly appreciated by the recipients i...

Many unfortunate things are continuously happening in Myanmar. As we all know, Myanmar faced a terrible earthquake in March. The KBC Hospital team is actively reaching out to provide essential support to the earthquake victims in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions. Following the recent devastating earthquakes, these communities are facing significant challenges, including loss of homes, insufficient access to clean water, and limited medical care. They urgently need assistance in the form of food, shelter, and medical supplies. Your contributions can play a crucial role in helping these individuals rebuild their lives and recover from this disaster. Devastation in central Myanmar due to 7.7 magnitude earthquake Myanmar Recent News The situation is profoundly concerning as the death toll continues to rise in both Myanmar and Thailand following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay city on 28 March.  The area between Mandalay and Naypyidaw experienced five ...