A quick update to let the community know that we are almost at the halfway mark for our Blankets for Babies Fund. As of this Tuesday night we have raised $6,311.18 . We have already authorized Ethica’s rep in Hanoi to buy blankets, formula, and warm clothing for the children. While she has been able to secure some in kind donations from the expat community in Hanoi (clothing, blankets), we still need to raise almost $3,000.
While this might sound like a substantial amount of money given Vietnam’s economy, we’ve been told that the northern region has been hard pressed for warm weather clothing, blankets, and heaters, creating some inflation on these goods. Please also keep in mind that we’re trying to keep over 600 infants and children fed and warm for the next 30 days. Formula can be quite expensive and is often watered down. When I think of that number, I imagine an entire elementary school here in the U.S.
Just a reminder that the funds will be used to buy and deliver goods. There will be no cash donations to orphanages. Also, these requests are for the infants and children only, not caregivers. Our hope is that should we raise additional funds, we’ can commit the money towards preparedness for future extreme weather as well as some warm clothing for the caregivers. Right now we are focusing all of our efforts on the babies and children.
Again, if you would like to contribute please visit our site: Blankets for Babies - Emergency Relief for Vietnamese Orphans
Thank you!
–
Linh Song, MSW
Executive Director
Ethica, Inc.