In the wake of the devastating tragedies in China and Myanmar, I felt that it would be a good idea to list a few reputable charities who are involved in recovery efforts. One or two are charities that I have contributed to myself in the past. All of these charities are upstanding members of the Better Business Bureau.
AmeriCares motto, or model as they call it, is “timely response, meaningful impact.” This organization has prided itself in being one of the first organizations to be on the ground in Myanmar when disaster struck. They have distributed medical aid and supplies to the survivors of the Cyclone.
In China, AmeriCares has been working with health organizations to deliver medical supplies and medicine that is needed to help the earthquake victims and recovery efforts.
AmeriCares has also been very active in the crisis in Darfur, having airlifted supplies 10 times at this point in time to those in need.
Action Against Hunger’s mission is “to save lives by eliminating hunger through the prevention, detection, and treatment of malnutrition, especially during and after emergency situations of conflict, war and natural disaster. ” Days after the cyclone hit in Myanmar, Action Against Hunger sent in a convoy full of supplies to help the survivors of the disaster located in Bogalay, an area that was desperately in need. They have been working in Myanmar since 1994 and continue to work closely with relief efforts in this country.
UNICEF, one of the more well known charities, has committed itself to the motto “unite for children.” UNICEF expediently distributed supplies to children and their families directly after the cyclone hit in Myanmar, and are working with the government and partners to distribute these supplies more efficiently to those who are in need.
According to its website, UNICEF is also working closely with the Government of China to provide immediate therapy to children who have been affected by the earthquake, as they recognize the importance of getting the children of victims help so that they will avoid long-term psychological problems.
Surely you will see the value in all of these charities and their efforts in Myanmar and China. You can find out more information about these and other charities at Network for Good.
Of course, you should do your own research before deciding to send your dollars to these charities, but this is a great starting point.
