May 30, 2008

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

The situation in Burma (Myanmar) remains catastrophic since Typhoon Nargis

devastated the country, leaving more than 100,000 dead and millions of people homeless.

We have witnessed the enormous difficulties, involving both the Government of

Myanmar and humanitarian agencies, in forwarding aid to meet the immediate needs of

the stricken population.

The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, together with the

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, is organizing an emergency fundraising

appeal to contribute toward the efforts of Caritas Internationalis in the region.

Development and Peace is an active member of the Caritas Internationalis and has

received assurances that the aid forwarded will be handled directly by Caritas

Internationalis, which has opened a special office in Thailand, bordering Burma.

I invite all who wish to respond to this appeal to send donations directly to Development

matched by the Canadian government.

Send donations to:

Development and Peace

c/o Emergency: Burma

1425, René-Lévesque west, 3rd floor,

Montréal (Québec) H3G 1T7

Charitable donation receipts will be issued by Development and Peace. Donations can

also be made by telephone, toll free: 1-888-234-8533

I encourage the faithful of our diocese to respond to the needs of Burma, and I join you in

praying that its stricken population may receive assistance without further delay.

Fraternally in Christ,

+Jean-Louis Plouffe

Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie