Jim Kehoe wants to help the people of Myanmar but he’s frustrated because it’s taking so long.
As executive director of the Snohomish County Council of St. Vincent de Paul, Kehoe and local volunteers desperately want to help the two million cyclone victims estimated to be facing disease and starvation in Myanmar, an Asian nation run by a military junta.
Without direct communication with St. Vincent de Paul members in Myanmar, who haven’t been able to communicate with liaisons in the United States, Kehoe and others must wait.
International volunteers are struggling with the extent of the disaster that recently occurred in Myanmar, knowing there is great need there.
“In Third World countries it’s often difficult to establish communications,” Kehoe said.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is appealing for financial donations to help victims in Myanmar. Funds collected will be transmitted to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council in Myanmar to directly aid victims there.
Kehoe, a member of the St. Vincent de Paul’s national disaster relief committee, said the communication problems are making it difficult to raise funds because people don’t know what they can do to help.
“We realize volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul are on the ground in Myanmar, although we don’t have a confirmation on the number at this time. I anticipate that they are assisting in much the same way volunteers in our local communities do during a disaster, visiting those in need and helping in whatever ways they can,” he said.
Kehoe said that the Red Cross had been allowed into the country. “They will be addressing immediate needs, so I expect local St. Vincent de Paul volunteers to be waiting to fill in where they can,” he said.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul councils throughout the U.S. and in Australia and New Zealand are also mobilizing funds to help Myanmar.
How to help
Relief donations can be sent to the Snohomish County Council of St. Vincent de Paul, PO Box 2269, Everett, WA 98213 or to any Western Washing Council of St. Vincent de Paul.
For more information, call 425-513-6052.
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