Image from "Myanmar coup: Protesters defy military warning in mass strike", 22 February 2021, BBC News, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-56150616.

Myanmar's armed forces, the Tatmadaw, launched a coup on 1 February 2021 to prevent the swearing in of a democratically-elected government, which triggered mass protests across the country that are currently ongoing. In response, soliders and police officers have committed atrocity after atrocity by utilising lethal force against unarmed protestors, which have resulted in the deaths of more than 700 civilians, of which includes at least 43 children.

The Burmese New Year, known as Thingyan in Myanmar, was slated to begin next Tuesday, 13 April, and citizens throughout the country would have been admiring the spring blossoms and tucking into 'mont lone yay paw', a glutinous rice ball treat filled with sweet jaggery and covered with desiccated coconut. Such joy and festivity will not happen this year. However, the symbolism of the treat - remaining whole in boiling water and 'rising up' to the surface once ready - made us think of it as a poignant vector for fundraising for the citizens of Myanmar, particularly those who are from minority ethnic communities.

If you are in Edinburgh, we will make and deliver a box of 'mont lone yay paw' to you for your donation. There is no minimum sum - give what you can and every little helps.

Your donation will be distributed among the following organisations and mutual aid groups in and affiliated to Myanmar, and regular updates will be provided on this JustGiving page:

- Mutual Aid Myanmar

- Kachin Relief Fund

- Rohingya Refugee Relief Fund

- Karen Women Organisation

- Project KARE - Karen Alliance for Refugee Education

- Chin Human Rights Organisation (CHRO)

It is our hope that this will encourage the Burmese diaspora, or indeed anyone at all, to fundraise for Myanmar in time for Thingyan by making 'mont lone yay paw'. Thank you so much for your support!

Hubert and Sheryl