This Friday, the Phnom Penh community comes together at Sundown Social Club – quickly becoming the weekend’s top spot for early evening shenanigans – but adding a little heart. The occasion? Groove for Myanmar is a fundraiser for victims of the devastating March 28 earthquake that rocked central Myanmar.
The event promises to deliver a classic Sundown blend of good vibes with a fresh line of meaningful action. Expect tómbola (a raffle-style game with great prizes), groove-heavy DJ sets from Phnom Penh’s very own Dutch favourite DAV AF, and delicious Burmese bites courtesy of the city’s beloved Asia Burma Restaurant. Proceeds from the evening will go directly to a grassroots emergency relief initiative on the ground in Mandalay, led by local doctors and volunteers.
A Crisis Close to Home
The quake, registering a massive 7.7 on the Richter scale, left large parts of Mandalay in ruins. In the weeks since, aftershocks have continued to destabilise what remains, forcing thousands into temporary shelters—or worse, into the streets. As temperatures soar to 43°C, medical needs are mounting. Access to clean water, shelter, and food remains precarious.
“Some people are still living under tanks or in the schoolyard,” writes Kay, a young doctor in Mandalay who is spearheading much of the emergency response. “Victims are left with nothing,” she says. Despite billions being provided for Myanmar’s military government to provide support to the victims, she warns that there is “zero government support.”
Kay’s story is as extraordinary as it is heartbreaking. In 2017, she was a fresh medical graduate walking up the famed hill to Sutaungpyei Temple with tourists, practicing her English between hospital shifts. Fast forward to 2021, and Kay was on the frontlines of Myanmar’s “white coat revolution”—a peaceful protest by healthcare workers against the military coup. She has endured bullets, blackouts, and political persecution. Now, she’s treating earthquake victims by day and sleeping in a monastery at night, bunking beside thousands of newly homeless earthquake victims.
Sickness is spreading, PTSD is on the rise and people are living in the ruins of buildings destroyed by either the earthquake or the relentless air strikes carried out by the Junta. The People of Myanmar desperately need your help.
From Phnom Penh, With Love
Friday’s fundraiser is just one part of a cross-border response effort powered by Myanmar lovers from around the world—including Cambodia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Ukraine, and the U.S. International aid has been slow or non-existent and what does get to the Military government often stays in the pockets of Generals, so this campaign cuts out the middlemen. Every dollar raised goes directly to people like Kay, who are sourcing and distributing life-saving supplies in real time.
This is a direct channel to get the most critical of life saving needs to those who need it the most.
The needs are urgent and simple: tarpaulins for shelter, basic medicine, rice, water, and clothes. The government has provided little support, and many locals—already struggling with years of conflict—have nothing left to give.
“We only have ourselves to rebuild,” Kay says. “We still have a long journey to get our normal lives back.”
How You Can Help
If you’re in Phnom Penh this Friday, come raise a glass (I recommend a Paloma…) —and some funds—for Mandalay. Entry is free, but bring some cash for tómbola tickets, snacks, and donations. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference. (Psst! Can’t come but want to help? Donate to the fundraiser here)
Event details:📍
Things kick off at Sundown on St. 440 (just upstairs from Russian Market) from 6pm! Tunes will be provided by Dav AF, food from Asia Burma Restaurant and the treat of a tombola for all to enjoy.
Sundown Social Club, Russian Market rooftop📅 Friday, May 2🕖 From 6pm🎟 Free entry | Tómbola tickets available on-site🍛 Food by Asia Burma Restaurant🎶 Music by DAV AF
