Locals Raise Disaster Relief Funds for Myanmar Survivors CW ASIA FUND sets sights on $1Million for cyclone victims and seeks Canadian Government matching funds Vancouver, BC, May 22, 2008.

As Myanmar continues a three day mourning period, CW Asia Fund, made up of a small group of local Vancouver and Calgary volunteers, continues its efforts to raise $1 million (CDN) for emergency aid in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis. In ten days, CW Asia Fund raised over $585,000 (CDN) and hopes to reach its goal by the end of next week, with the expectation that the Canadian Government will step in to match funds raised.

It is estimated that 1.5 million people have been affected by Cyclone Nargis and up to 300,000 killed, including 120,000 children. The estimated death toll now exceeds that of the 2004 Tsunami. The flooding has stopped in Myanmar, but the health risks continue to escalate and the death toll keeps climbing. The immensity of this human tragedy is verging on the unspeakable, said Dr. John Cassils, co-founder of CW Asia Fund:

“It is essential that the appropriate aid reaches those in need in a timely and organized manner through local support in Myanmar. We are making a desperate call for cash donations and it is our sincere hope that the Canadian Government will honour its pledge to match donations and further boost the humanitarian efforts of our country. Canadians have shown great generosity and CW Asia Fund is very eager to assist through our long-standing relationships with organizations on the ground in Myanmar.”

For over eight years, Dr. John and Nina Cassils, two of CW Asia Fund’s co-founders, have worked extensively in Myanmar and have built strong relationships with a number of organizations and individuals that operate within Myanmar, including hospitals, clinics, orphanages, village libraries and local non-governmental organizations (NGO’s). CW Asia Fund is assuring that donations will go directly to those who need it most and in a timely manner. As well as monetary donations, CW Asia Fund is actively sourcing food, medicines and other emergency supplies for those affected by this catastrophe and has been offered the use of a private jet, pre-cleared by Burmese authorities, to deliver emergency supplies. Fully, one hundred percent of donations will be sent directly to local Myanmar organizations.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Trevor Howes
CW Asia Fund
604-619-5909
thowes@gmail.com