A Holiday Gift Suggestion...
We sent the following letter to those donors who have supported Better Burma’s mission since the coup. In order to further share this update, we are reprinting this letter here.
Personally speaking, I can’t tell you how moved I have been to see these handicraft items, which are now available for the holiday season. And having visited the artisan communities where they are made prior to the coup, it really warms my heart to see how they have managed to traverse the oceans and reach us in times for the holidays!
Additionally, as it has become increasingly challenging to continue gathering support for those vulnerable communities who continue to be harmed by a violent military coup going on for far too long, we hope that these items can represent another way for people to support the ongoing democracy movement in Myanmar. Please take a look at the links below and see if you find something that inspires you!
With the holiday season fast approaching, our thoughts naturally turn towards gifts for family and friends. With that in mind, how about a unique piece of Burmese craftsmanship? And not only would it make a special and attractive gift, it would help sustain Burmese artisans while enabling us to continue Better Burma's mission!
This is possible now that our Better Burma nonprofit has officially launched our on-line store, where you can browse our offerings of jewelry, toys, home items, and artwork. These handicrafts are sourced from artisan communities across Myanmar, in particular from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds: people with disabilities, mothers who have contracted HIV/AIDS, civil servants on CDM, ethnic and religious minorities, and more.
We take great pride in all of our products being 100% Myanmar-made, from the materials to the design to the workmanship. From the thanaka artfully incorporated on the dolls’ faces to the cats and frogs wearing scarves made of traditional longyi fabric, they all clearly show that they were made in the Golden Land! So your gift will bring a little bit of authentic Myanmar into the home of its recipient, and even if just a little, will help keep the people and culture alive in our hearts.
And of course, we want to again express our deep and heartfelt gratitude for your generous contributions to our Better Burma nonprofit. With your continued support over the past nearly two years, we have been able to supply food, water, and medical supplies to those who need it most, fund education and livelihood programs, and even help rebuild communities destroyed by conflict. We are also pleased to have launched three Burmese language podcast programs, which foster forums for critical dialogue at a time when free speech and conventional journalism are under direct assault by the military regime. So thank you again for your contributions over these two years that have allowed our mission to expand and prosper!