Hi Phi Phi volunteers going to Burma (If they can).

This is a note from my friend Dion – I worked with him on Hi Phi Phi island in the aftermath of the Tsunami of 2004:

CALL TO DUTY: VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERS

Dear former HI Phi Phi volunteers:

I hope this email finds you all well. Most of us have probably felt a tug or two at our heartstrings upon watching the disaster unfold in Burma that cyclone Nargis has created. For many it is reminiscent of the tsunami. Villages in Burma that were impacted just as Phi Phi was in the tsunami were still in the process of re-development when Nargis made landfall on May 2nd.

HI Phi Phi worked because a group of volunteers and residents joined forces to do what they could. For some that was time and for many that meant money. While the political and logistical situation in Burma does not or can not support an influx of volunteers, we have started Help International Burma to rally around a common cause of support once again. Individuals from all over the world came together on Phi Phi to form Help International and it changed our lives and the residents of Phi Phi forever. Everyone has something to offer, no matter how small, but history has shown that when we get together we can do something great.

Therefore we are calling for a virtual volunteer force to raise funds that can be donated on the community level to deliver urgent supplies and care, assist the recovery efforts and if we can, support the Burmese in rebuilding their lives.

Gade, a former HI Phi Phi volunteer from Chiang Mai, is planning an assessment trip into Burma on the 25th of May. We will have more information when she can get communications out or returns to Thailand as to exactly how we can help. For now, what we do know is that money is needed and from your experience in Thailand you know it will go to do something amazing.

We have set up a website and donation system to accept funds at www.hiburma.org, so start canvassing. Ask your friends, family, co-workers, etc. to pledge funds. We have a goal for each volunteer to raise at least $50 but as you saw on Phi Phi, every bit counts. Check the website regularly for fundraising ideas and updates from Burma. Join the discussion groups, connect with the volunteer community and attend “7 o’clock” meetings online through the HI Burma Facebook group.

Gandhi once said that “The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.” Let’s do what we can. HI Burma.

Dion