virtual charity mugging

Maybe there’s something in the air, or perhaps 2004 is shaping up to be a year of giving and self-reflection. We live in hope, hey? Michael’s got a new direction and has big plans for a charity photo site. Sounds like a fabulous idea to me.

I fancied a bit of virtual charity mugging myself and had been thinking about selling calendars in aid of a Myanmar charity, but couldn’t find any non-political ones. Then it occurred to me that the very small amount I’d make (I’ve made a total of $6 on my Cafe Press shop in the year I’ve had it) would clearly not do a large charity any good at all. Most of the money goes to administration fees for a start.

In a country where $1.20 is a daily wage, I realised that sending a small amount directly could possibly do an awful lot of good. Five dollars could, for example, provide enough rice for a week for several people. So my plan, dear readers, is to send proceeds from any sales directly to the Zaya Theingi Nunnery and the Shwe Kyet Yet Monastery in Mandalay. These provide spiritual retreat at no cost to anyone who requests it and they take care of countless local children, providing food, shelter and a Buddhist education. Food and funds for the monasteries are provided via donations and the generosity of the local village. With no international banking in Burma, cash (US dollars) by post is pretty much the best and safest option and if a few dollars go astray, it will be no great tragedy.

So there you go. I’ve marked each calendar up by $2, which I’ll send in small amounts to Myanmar. It’s a shame that Cafe Press charges so much to ship to Europe and for that I apologise. I also can’t yet vouch for the quality as I’m only now ordering copies for friends and family, so I’ll let you know how they turn out…

Of course, there are those in need of more urgent assistance and the BBC has a list of worldwide charity links where you can help the victims of the Iranian earthquake.

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