Help Rebuild Lives After the Myanmar Earthquake
A devastating earthquake has hit communities in Myanmar we know and love. With your help, we’re raising funds for urgent relief, rebuilding classrooms, and supporting families. Donations will go directly to trusted local efforts — and The Ultimate Travel Company will match contributions where possible.
MAKE A DONATION
We need your help
As I am sure you know on 28 March, a devastating earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, near Mandalay.
The damage has been extensive, affecting communities we’ve known and worked with for many years. The images and reports are distressing, especially from areas that once formed the backdrop to some of our most memorable journeys.
Many of you will remember that Myanmar was once a key part of our portfolio. During those years, I had the privilege of working with Dr HlaTun, a local physician who became a good friend not only of mine but to many of you too. Thanks to his expertise and energy combined with the generosity of our guests who visited the country we were able to support a number of medical programs including the construction of an additional wing at Bagan hospital.
I have been in touch with Dr HlaTun with offers of help. He is very grateful and confirms that funds are still desperately needed.
The good doctor is already working hard supporting relief efforts on the ground. From 18 to 21 May, he travelled through Mandalay, Sagaing and Nay Pyi Daw to deliver essential supplies and assess needs. You’ll find a few photos from his journey. These are early steps in what will need to become a much larger response.
He has outlined several urgent ways we can help depending on the amount of money we gather:
A reinforced concrete building (20ft x 35ft) to house 2 to 3 monks or nuns, or serve as classrooms for up to 36 students. Estimated cost: £12,500
Essential supplies for displaced families, including pots, stoves, water containers, mosquito nets, dry food and blankets. Estimated cost: £2,000
The Ultimate Travel Company will, as before, be matching donations whenever reasonably possible.
I, Dr HlaTun and everyone in Myanmar would be incredibly grateful for any donation, however large or small, as it is desperately needed.
Thank you.
With warmest wishes,
Nick Van Gruisen
Director
The Ultimate Travel Company
Please visit our GoFundMe Page where donations will be distributed to Dr HlaTun directly as soon as we can.
Our target is set at £12,000 and we hope to achieve this with the incredible support of our clients.
Many thanks in advance.
