Appeal for Donation

I have been doing nothing but scoured the net for news on the Asian quakes/tsunamis. Despite the skyhigh deathrate, it is surprising to note that I'm touched by how people from all over the world, regardless of religion, skin color and beliefs come together as a single force to actively deliver help to the unfortunates.

Have you done something for these people today? Be it by donating clothes, money or uttering a simple prayer, please do not think your effort will be too small to make a dent in their suffering. Most of the survivors lost everything, needless to say, even the clothes on their back. Old clothes that fit you no longer, tatty shoes, stained blankets: donate them. What's the use of it being eaten away by moths in the dark corner of your closet when it could be swaddling a freezing baby? Don't just sit there on your ass waiting for someone to come over to you with a donation box. Year end bonus'in your bank account. Break a bit off it to the disaster victims. Donations could be made here:

American Red Cross
New Straits Times Donation (in Malaysian Ringgit)
The Star + Maybank Relief Fund (in Malaysian Ringgit)

And everybody's still waiting for news from Myanmar. Here's what CNN said:

Aid agency officials may have already asked the question, but no answer appears to be forthcoming from the reclusive military government.

Seismologists have said that extra distance could give the energy of Sunday's earthquake extra power.

If this is so, and Thailand has suffered so much, how have the fishing villages and stilt huts along Myanmar's coast fared?

It may be that another soaring increase in the devastation wreaked by the killer waves is yet to be revealed.

Judging by the damage already done, Myanmar's tragedy could even be far greater. It is difficult to contemplate, but who knows what secrets Myanmar holds.

Perhaps a bigger tragedy still lies ahead.

Our Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that the government has cancelled all celebration to usher in the new year, including new year eve concerts, firework displays, etc. He urges people to pray, regardless of religion and institutions, for strength and protection for all the victims, the country and the world. Full coverage here. I am glad that Malaysia has a leader like him.