DEC Myanmar Appeal
Asygma’s Commitment to the DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal: Supporting Lives in Crisis
When disaster strikes, the world watches in collective concern. The recent earthquake in Myanmar has left communities reeling, with homes destroyed, families displaced, and countless lives upended. At Asygma, we’re proud to once again stand alongside the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to support their latest appeal, aimed at delivering urgent relief to those affected by this devastating natural disaster. This blog explores our long-standing partnership with the DEC, the vital support work we contribute, and why these appeals are a lifeline for people in crisis.
A Legacy of Compassion: The DEC’s Mission
The Disasters Emergency Committee, or DEC, is a cornerstone of humanitarian aid in the UK. Formed in 1963, this alliance of 15 leading charities—including household names like the British Red Cross, Oxfam GB, and Save the Children UK—pools resources to respond swiftly to global emergencies. From earthquakes to famines, the DEC has launched 77 appeals over six decades, raising over £2.4 billion to help millions of people rebuild their lives.
The DEC’s approach is simple yet powerful: unite the UK public’s generosity with the expertise of its member charities to deliver aid where it’s needed most. Whether it’s providing food and water after a tsunami or rebuilding homes after an earthquake, their work transforms donations into tangible hope. The Myanmar earthquake appeal is the latest chapter in this story, and Asygma is honoured to play a role in making it a success.
Asygma and the DEC: A Partnership Built on Trust
Our journey with the DEC began over two decades ago, back when we operated as London Web. In 2002, we took on the task of designing and hosting the DEC’s website—a digital foundation that would soon prove its worth. When the Boxing Day Tsunami struck Southeast Asia in 2004, the outpouring of support from the UK public was unprecedented. Donations flooded in, and the DEC’s website became the heartbeat of the appeal.
That moment tested our resolve. The site faced overwhelming traffic, and Alex Stender, a key figure in our team, acted quickly. He relocated the web and database servers to a more robust setup, ensuring the platform could handle the surge. The result? On December 30-31, 2004, the DEC’s Tsunami Earthquake Appeal set a Guinness World Record for the most money raised online in 24 hours—£10.7 million. It was a defining moment, showcasing how digital tools, backed by our support, can amplify humanitarian efforts.
Since then, Asygma has remained a steadfast partner to the DEC. From the Southern Africa Famine in 2002 to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal in 2022, we’ve been there to help keep their digital presence strong, ensuring that every appeal reaches supporters far and wide. The Myanmar earthquake appeal is no exception, and we’re committed to doing our part once again.
The Myanmar Earthquake: A Call to Action
Myanmar’s recent earthquake has left a trail of destruction. Homes have crumbled, infrastructure has collapsed, and families are struggling to find safety and stability. The DEC has stepped in with its member charities to provide immediate relief—think clean water, food, shelter, and medical care—while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery. This appeal isn’t just about survival; it’s about giving people a chance to rebuild.
At Asygma, we understand the stakes. Our role is to ensure the DEC’s online platform runs smoothly, so donors can contribute without delay. When disaster hits, every second counts, and a reliable digital presence means the difference between aid reaching people today or tomorrow. We’re proud to support this effort, knowing that every donation helps someone in Myanmar take a step toward recovery.
Why DEC Appeals Matter
Disaster appeals like the one for Myanmar are more than fundraising campaigns—they’re lifelines. Here’s why they’re so critical:
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Immediate Relief Saves Lives
When an earthquake strikes, the first hours and days are chaotic. People need basics like water, food, and shelter to survive. The DEC’s rapid response ensures these essentials reach affected areas quickly. For example, after the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes, the DEC helped 68,000 people access clean water and built 9,000 resilient homes. In Myanmar, similar efforts are underway, and every pound donated fuels this work
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Long-Term Recovery Builds Hope
Aid doesn’t stop when the headlines fade. The DEC focuses on rebuilding communities, from restoring homes to supporting livelihoods. The Boxing Day Tsunami appeal, which raised £392 million, supported over 750,000 households across seven countries. In Myanmar, this means helping families not just survive but thrive again.
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The Power of Unity
The DEC’s strength lies in its collaboration. By bringing together 15 charities, it maximizes impact—combining logistics, expertise, and local knowledge. Asygma’s contribution ensures this collective effort isn’t slowed by technical hiccups, keeping the focus on the people who need help.
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A Ripple Effect of Generosity
Every DEC appeal inspires the UK public to give. The Ukraine appeal raised £445 million, showing how compassion can cross borders. In Myanmar, that same spirit is at work, and Asygma is proud to help channel it through a dependable online platform.
Asygma’s Support Work: Behind the Scenes
Our involvement with the DEC goes beyond a single appeal. We’re there from the moment an alert comes in, working with a talented team ensuring the digital tools are ready for launch day and beyond. When TV ads air and traffic spikes, we keep the website accessible, so donations can flow uninterrupted. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, knowing that a seamless experience for donors translates to real help for those in need.
Take the Myanmar appeal as an example. As soon as the DEC signalled their intent, our team sprang into action. We double-checked the online infrastructure, making sure it could handle the expected surge in visitors. It’s not about the nuts and bolts—it’s about ensuring that someone, somewhere, can click “donate” and know their support will reach Myanmar.
The Bigger Picture: Why We Do This
At Asygma, supporting the DEC isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment. We’ve seen firsthand how these appeals change lives. The £10.7 million raised in 24 hours during the Tsunami appeal didn’t just break records; it rebuilt communities. The £445 million for Ukraine didn’t just provide food; it offered hope to millions. And now, the Myanmar earthquake appeal is another chance to make a difference.
We believe in the DEC’s mission because it works. Over 60 years, they’ve proven that collective action, backed by public support, can tackle even the biggest crises. Asygma’s role might be behind the scenes, but it’s part of a larger effort that puts people first.
How You Can Help
The Myanmar earthquake appeal needs your support. Every donation, no matter the size, helps. Want to contribute? Visit DEC.org.uk to donate today. Your generosity could provide a family with shelter, a child with a meal, or a community with a fresh start.
Together, we can show Myanmar that they’re not alone. Asygma is doing its part—will you join us?
A Final Word
The Myanmar earthquake is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be—and how powerful solidarity is. Asygma’s partnership with the DEC is about more than technology; it’s about standing with communities in their darkest moments. From our early days with the Tsunami appeal to today’s efforts in Myanmar, we’re committed to this cause. Together with the DEC and supporters like you, we can turn tragedy into recovery, one donation at a time.
Donate now at DEC.org.uk and be part of something bigger.
