FOR IMMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

OPERATION USA APPEALS FOR FUNDS
TO AID IN BURMESE CYCLONE DISASTER

LOS ANGELES (May 5, 2008) Operation USA announced today that it has deployed staff already stationed in Asia to assess the needs of what is likely to be millions of victims of the recent cyclone which destroyed or devastated wide swaths of Myanmar (aka Burma), especially in or near Yangon (formerly its capital Rangoon) and its coastal areas. The cyclone saw winds of over 120 miles per hour strike communities living largely in housing made of bamboo and unable to withstand winds of such magnitude.

The Lincy Foundation of Los Angeles provided disaster funds to Operation USA for just such contingencies requiring an immediate response. Temporary shelter, water purification chemicals and medical supplies are among the most urgently needed items. Funds collected will be spent on these and other priority supplies.

Richard Walden, President of Operation USA, expressed a widely held concern among relief groups that the current military government of Burma will not readily facilitate foreign relief agencies access to impact zones, especially those from the U.S. “We expect that this unusually tragic event will soften the Burmese Government’s attitude towards international relief and that they will allow relief agencies full access to victims of this tragedy.”

Operation USA has worked with Burmese refugees for over 15 years all along the Burma-Thailand border.

HOW TO HELP: Donations can be sent via Operation USA’s website, www.opusa.org, by check to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave., Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232, or with a credit card by calling 1-800-678-7255.

Corporate contributions of essential products in bulk and with at least one year’s remaining shelf life can be arranged by calling Neil Frame, Operation USA, 310 838 3455.

Media Contact:
Christine Oppenheim
310.838.3455
coppenheim@opusa.org

05/05/08