The Taiwan Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) has raised almost NT$8.8 million (nearly US$300,000) from more than 2,000 donors to help victims of the earthquake that struck Myanmar in March.
OCAC Chairperson Hsu Chia-ching (徐佳青) said that the donations will be used for post-disaster reconstruction and repair of Overseas-Taiwanese schools affected by the disaster, including emergency relief for teachers and students, renewal and replenishment of teaching aids and supplies, setting up and leasing temporary classroom space, and more.
Hsu said that due to Myanmar's control of foreign exchange, direct transfers are difficult, so the donations will be handled through the local Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce. He urged the public not to worry, and that the donations will make it to Myanmar. Hsu said the donation account will be closed on May 31, after which all funds will be handed over to the OCAC for overall use.