CIDI Urges Americans to Make Appropriate Donations to Help Victims of the Myanmar Cyclone

ARLINGTON, Va., May 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) is encouraging Americans who wish to help the recentMyanmar cyclone victims to donate cash, as an alternative to in-kind donations such as clothing and canned goods, in order to provide the most optimal assistance. It is widely recognized that cash donations are the most efficient and effective means of response, a policy supported by CIDI's funding partner, the United States Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and those in the established international disaster response community.

"We've all seen the heartbreaking images of past international disasters, such as the Tsunami, where massive amounts of clothing and canned goods collected in piles, left virtually untouched," says Suzanne Brooks, Director of CIDI. "CIDI's mission is to reduce the amount of inappropriate material donations sent to victims and to facilitate efforts by professional humanitarian relief agencies. The best way for Americans to help is to donate cash to an established relief agency so that they can provide the quickest onsite assistance."

Cyclone Nargis hitMyanmar last Saturday, devastating large parts of the country. Already, some 1.5 million people have been severely affected by the storm. The death toll, which officials predict will reach almost 100,000, is increasing by the minute as workers struggle to reach remote settlements, while the nationwide number of displaced people could reach millions.

Individuals and organizations interested in making contributions to help the victims of theMyanmar cyclone can get more information by visiting CIDI's website at www.cidi.org. Additionally, interested donors can visit www.interaction.org to obtain a list of credible responding agencies for international emergencies and www.give.org to get valuable information on making informed decisions when supporting charities. In addition, donors can visit www.globalgiving.org. GlobalGiving allows donors to fund specific programs that address a range of immediate to long-term needs.

About CIDI

CIDI is based inArlington, Virginia, and was created in 1988. The Center is funded by the United States Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. CIDI provides individuals, groups, embassies and corporations with information and guidance in support of appropriate international disaster relief efforts. The organization works with a variety of partners to channel the public's energy and desire to help to achieve maximum impact. By reaching out to the American public and the private sector, CIDI helps to promote activities and donations that will do the most good for disaster victims around the world. For more information about CIDI and helping international victims, please visit http://www.cidi.org.

Media Contact:

Salma Bahramy

Hill & Knowlton

202-944-1901

salma.bahramy@hillandknowlton.com

SOURCE Center for International Disaster Information

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