Mercy Relief to begin fund-raising for China quake victims
By Gamar Abdul Aziz, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 16 May 2008 0353 hrs

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SINGAPORE : Mercy Relief says it will stop its public fund-raising appeal for victims of the Myanmar cyclone at midnight on Friday.

It has surpassed its target of S$300,000 and to date, it has raised S$325,000.

Mercy Relief says the final amount should be about S$450,000.

It has already planned to send 10 units of ultra-filtration water treatment system to the affected coastal areas.

It is currently working with Singapore water treatment companies and the Myanmar authorities to firm up the project.

Technicians and trainers will be deployed to Myanmar to install and train locals on the use and maintenance of the system.

Mercy Relief will also provide 20 units of pedal-powered portable water filter system to outlying areas.

After Friday, all funds received will be channelled for the earthquake relief in China.

Mercy Relief says it has applied for a fund-raising permit from the Commissioner of Charities to collect donations for the quake victims, from May 17 to June 1.

Mercy Relief is communicating with the Chengdu Poverty Alleviation Bureau (CPAB) and the Sichuan Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (SFPA).

For a start, Mercy Relief is sending 500 tents to Chengdu. - CNA/de