MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (May 23, 2008) – World Vision welcomes the statement by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon following his meeting with Myanmar’s top general Gen Than Shwe that all foreign aid workers are to be allowed into the country.

Steve Goudswaard, World Vision’s Cyclone Nargis response manager, who is currently in Yangon, said: “Agencies like World Vision will be waiting to see how the Myanmar government’s pledge to allow international humanitarian agency staff into the country works out in practice. If our staff are allowed into Myanmar, then this is excellent news.

“There is not a moment to lose in terms of needing to scale up our response. Large numbers of survivors have not so far received adequate assistance and many of them are in an extremely vulnerable situation. Allowing international staff into the country will also ensure our physically and emotionally exhausted national staff have additional support.”

Details of the agreement secured by Ban Ki-moon have yet to be outlined. In addition to allowing international aid workers in, it will be equally critical that they be given unhindered access to help survivors, says Dave Toycen, President and CEO of World Vision Canada.

“This new development offers reassurance to the many Canadians who are contributing generously. The first priority is saving lives, especially children, and this apparent openness and access will help make that possible.”

World Vision’s international staff will also work with World Vision Myanmar’s community development experts – who are all nationals – on building their skills in applying humanitarian standards to aid delivery and shelter provision.

World Vision currently has 580 national staff and 11 international staff in country, with six staff waiting to travel into Myanmar. The agency has so far distributed aid to 135,000 people in Yangon and the Delta area.

The agency hopes to be able to assist up to 500,000 people over the next six months.

On May 15, the Canadian government announced that it will match private donations given to humanitarian organizations for emergency relief in Myanmar and China. This will measurably lift donations and help save lives, says World Vision.

World Vision is appealing for US$19 million from its global donors to support the first six months of its response. The organization has asked Canadian donors for $3 million to help the survivors of Cyclone Nargis and has raised more than $2.29 million to date.

World Vision has operated in Myanmar since 1961 and its donors currently sponsor 42,000 children there. Community development programs funded by the child sponsorship program include food assistance, agriculture, health, clean water, education, income generation and nutrition programs.

World Vision is accepting donations to assist those affected by the cyclone, as well as for earthquake relief in China. Those wishing to help can visit WorldVision.ca or call 1-800-268-5528.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

- 30 -

To interview Dave Toycen, World Vision Canada president and CEO, or regional staff, please contact:

Yoko Kobayashi
905-565-6200 ext. 2151
416-671-0086 (cell)
yoko_kobayashi@WorldVision.ca

Karen Homer
905-565-6200 ext. 3898
416-936-4159 (cell)
karen_homer@WorldVision.ca