Asian neighbours
The Philippines
"I'd be afraid to give toys to some of the tribes people in the mountains. They might mistake them for food and try to cook them," cautioned an associate from an orphanage in Surigao, near Cebu, in the Philippines. Such is the need in that region. Crossroads sent a combined shipment, with goods for the mountain people as well as a nearby school and orphanage.
East Timor
"We have rice, but nothing to cook it in," came the plea from East Timor following last year's fighting. An East Timorese resident of Hong Kong coordinated a project working with the Australian International School, the Hong Kong International School, the Kennedy School and Crossroads to help supply the desperately needed relief items.
Vietnam
In an attempt to offer hope and a future to the blind, an NGO has constructed a school offering vocational training to blind youth. They have requested computers and musical instruments, along with daily household necessities. The shipment is soon to depart.
Myanmar (Burma)
Crossroads sent a shipment of clothing, stationery, crockery and toys for an orphanage. More consignments are expected to this region.
Thailand
A world relief organisation working in the Thai mountains rescues young girls and orphans from the dangers of prostitution and sex slavery by offering occupational training in halfway homes. Their shipment request includes both medical aid and training materials.
India
"We have never known a donation of this size before. We are very, very excited!" we were told in a phone call from Northern India. We had just sent a container of clothing and bedding to Nagaland, a region that has been plagued by local conflict. The consignment was distributed among devastated villagers and, already, the NGO has asked for a second shipment. American Presidential Lines kindly donated the shipping to this needy group.
Mongolia
A mixed shipment will supply furniture for blind people, books and general goods for orphans and clothing for street children in Ulan Bator. Donated goods have come from Hong Kong International School, as well as Rotary Clubs in Hong Kong and Australia. The consignment is only awaiting freight sponsorship before departure.
North Korea
"There are children starving in North Korea," said a seven-year-old boy to Crossroads' directors. "What are we going to do about it?" Working closely with the Hong Kong International School and Scout troops, he helped collect canned food and rice, consolidating it with an existing Crossroads shipment of clothing, food and other relief aid.
