SINGAPORE, 10 October – MERCY Relief, Singapore’s leading independent disaster relief agency, is on the ground working with local partners in Bangladesh, where 519,000 people have settled since 25 August. These affected communities have been displaced after fleeing the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State of Myanmar.
After conducting an assessment of the needs on the ground, members of the team have identified women as the most vulnerable group in these over-populated evacuation camps. As such, Mercy Relief will be distributing relief items such as dignity kits for women, containing “orna” (traditional scarf), sanitary napkins, soap, as well as solar lamps and tents.
“With women and children making up a majority of those displaced by the conflict there is an urgent need to prioritise their safety. By providing solar lamps we can increase a sense of security for those sleeping out in the open. Additionally the tents distributed can provide a private space for girls and nursing mothers. Addressing these needs can promote the overall wellbeing of those displaced.” said Mercy Relief Executive Director Zhang Tingjun. She is travelling to Chittagong, Bangladesh on Tuesday, 10 October, with the Singapore Armed Forces, who is lending their support to deliver cargo and much needed emergency supplies.
Mercy Relief has launched a public fundraising appeal in Singapore. Members of the public can make their donations via the following channels:
1) Credit Card donation via Mercy Relief’s website: www.mercyrelief.org
2) Crossed cheque made out to “Mercy Relief Limited” with “Bangladesh Refugee Crisis Relief” and email address written on the back of the cheque, and mailed to Blk 160, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, Singapore 310160
3) Cash donations at Blk 160, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, Singapore 310160
4) Fund transfer to Mercy Relief’s DBS Current Account 054-900742-0
5) Crowdfund via Giving.sg for the “Bangladesh Refugee Crisis Relief”: http://bit.ly/BGRC2017
