Camden Haven and Kendall fundraising helps buy tractor

COMMUNITY generosity from the Mid North Coast, Camden Haven and Kendall is helping improve the lives of thousands of internally displaced people near the Burma-Thai border.

Tin Nu has thanked the Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group (MNCRSG) and local supporters after fundraising efforts contributed to the purchase of a tractor for people forced from their homes following the military coup in Myanmar.

The tractor, which had to be imported through Thailand, cost approximately $20,000.

Tin Nu said the Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group contributed $2,200 towards the purchase.

Remaining funds were raised through donations from friends and relatives in Camden Haven and Sydney, proceeds from farm sales and support from the Kendall Community Op Shop.

“My great appreciation to MNCRSG for the support for purchasing a tractor desperately needed by the internally displaced people who were sheltering in the Burma-Thai border due to suppression of the military junta,” Tin Nu said.

According to Tin Nu, the tractor will play a vital role in supporting around 100,000 displaced people from eight villages.

“The tractor [will be used] for land clearing, road construction, extracting bamboo and wood from the forest to build dwellings and schools, and to cultivate land to grow food,” she said.

Tin Nu said access to the tractor would also help communities improve food production in difficult terrain.

“Now with the tractor the people’s food consumption may have more variety as they … easily grow food in their rough terrain,” she said.

On behalf of the displaced families benefiting from the project, Tin Nu expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed.

“On behalf of these refugees I would like to express a big thank you [and I appreciate] the generosity of the members,” she said.

By Sis HIGGINS