MAJOR aid organisations are calling on Evesham residents to support the Burma Appeal and help the millions of people affected by the natural disaster.

Charities including The Red Cross, CAFOD, Help The Aged and Oxfam have joined together to launch a co-ordinated appeal called the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

Since the cyclone struck at the Irrawady Delta on Saturday (3) more than 22,000 have already been confirmed dead, with 40,000 missing and more than one million made homeless.

Evesham residents have been assured that any donations they give to the appeal will reach those in need and not be used to fund the Burmese government.

Spokesman for Save The Children, Kate Hannah said: "At least five of the members of the DEC have large staff teams in the area now and are delivering aid. DEC funding will only be allocated to members who are permitted to bring relief to those suffering from the devastation."

Evesham church leaders are also encouraging town residents to support the appeal and say the people of Burma are in their prayers.

Fr Christopher Draycott of St Mary and St Egwin's Church, Evesham, said: "We will be taking our lead from CAFOD. It will already have contributed to the appeal by now and we are expecting to hear from them soon regarding a collection for the people of Burma.

"It is astonishing to see the forces of nature and the destruction that is caused to peoples lives in a matter of moments. The church is praying for the dead and for those who survived and have to pick their lives up now."

Rev Barry Collins of St Peter's Church in Bengeworth, added: "I am certain that the entire church congregation will be considering what they can do to help as individuals and together.

"We helped to raise money for the tsunami appeal a few years ago but we haven't decided if we will hold any appeal this time as yet.

"We have already said prayers for them in church and we will continue to offer those prayers and help in any way we can."

For more information on the appeal, visit www.dec.org.uk or call 0870 6060 900.

9:09am Friday 9th May 2008

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