Stand With Myanmar Kayakathon 42km 9 September

Hi! My name is Toby, and I am a 56 year old, living near Westernport, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

I am passionate about people doing it tough and have been stirred to stand with Myanmar or, rather, kayak for Myanmar! This is because my heart has been touched by the terrible situation facing many children and families right across this beautiful but troubled country. There is terrible injustice and suffering in the country.

I've seen images of children maimed and villages destroyed by the military Junta following the 2021 coup. I've been challenged to take action by completing a 42 km Kayaking challenge on Westernport.

According to the United Nations, an estimated 1,584,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) were reported across Myanmar as of 30 January 2023, and there are more than 1 million refugees and asylum seekers in neighbouring countries. A BBC analysis of data from the conflict-monitoring group ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project), indicates there were at least 600 air attacks by the military between February 2021 and January 2023. The junta has been increasingly relying on its Russian and Chinese aircraft to bomb opposition-controlled villages, inflicting much higher casualties among non-combatants. There has been so much suffering.

Any funds will be channelled into buying rice, delivering tarpaulins and medical aid to refugees on the borders and within the country itself. The tarpaulins are important because, during the day, families have to flee into the jungle, where it rains a lot. At night, they can return to cooking in their villages, but during the day, they must hide from bombing attacks by the Myanmar Junta air force.

The main communities that will benefit are from the Karen, Chin and Kachin states. This aid will be delivered through Service Fellowship International, a Public Benevolence institution and is fully tax-deductible. Service Fellowship International work with Myanmar partners who are verified to be able to deliver the aid directly to those in need.

Training has started, so please give generously.

Thank you, Toby