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BT steps in to help Myanmar
Wednesday May 14th 2008. Posted: 09:30
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The death toll in the cyclone disaster has topped 100,000
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BT Asia Pacific and BT Frontline have stepped in to help people in Myanmar - with an up-front donation of $25,000 (£12,778).
And it has pledged to match any donation its employees are able to make - dollar for dollar - up to a further $50,000 (£25,569). BT Americas has also appealed to its employees to donate much-needed aid money for the relief effort. The announcement comes as the death toll has reached in excess of 100,000 - and more people have been made homeless after Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar (formerly Burma) on Saturday (3 May). In a joint statement to employees, BT Asia Pacific chief operating officer Kevin Taylor and BT Frontline chairman Steve Ting expressed their heartfelt sympathy to colleagues who have friends and relatives in Myanmar. “BT Asia Pacific and BT Frontline are now stepping in to offer financial assistance - and we ask you to join our efforts,” they said. The up-front donation is being made via the Red Cross - BT’s partner in aid sponsorship - which will shortly be sending two of its representatives from Singapore to Myanmar. “This team will provide basic medical assistance for the survivors of the disaster in Yangon,” they added. “All monies collected will be channelled to the Red Cross Myanmar and funds will be used to purchase medical and relief items - such as medical supplies, tents, food and water, and other items. Together, we can make a difference.” A total of 41,588 donations totalling £1.95 million have now been made to the emergency appeal launched for victims of the cyclone. BT is hosting the online platform for donations to the appeal, launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee, an umbrella organisation of 13 humanitarian aid charities - including Save the Children, Oxfam and the British Red Cross - that launches and co-ordinates responses to major disasters overseas. Beth Courtier, head of BT's charity programme, said: “I would like to extend thanks to everyone across the company who has supported this appeal and, in doing so, made a difference to people’s lives. Through our BT eDonate platform we’ve almost reached £2 million - but much more is needed, so please do continue to donate.” BT people can donate online or via the credit card donation line on 0870 60 60 900, or at any high street Post Office or bank.
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Last updated:
10:55