First of all, thank you again for your generosity in sponsoring me for this trip. Unfortunately, recently, there have been protests in Malawi over complaints of bad governance, fuel shortages, and other grievances. The government cracked down and the result was rioting and 19 deaths. See here for more. Our trip was scheduled for next week - which happens to overlap with a second round of scheduled protests.
In light of the risk associated with travelling to this area, our group has decided to cancel the trip. Unfortunately, there is some significant cancellation costs as this is a last minute decision. So, as contributors to the cost of the trip, you each have a choice to make:
1) Allow your donation to help cover some of the cancellation fess - with any remainder to be forwarded to a charity (a the moment, we are thinking the Red Cross to help with the drought and starvation in Africa).
2) A full refund of your donation. I will pay out of pocket if necessary to reimburse your contribution.
Please understand that we have done everything we can to make this trip happen but this unrest came as a surprise and we want to make sure our volunteers stay safe.
Please let me know your decision ASAP. If I don't hear from you by Friday, I will assume that you are OK with allowing the donation to go to another charity.
Thanks,
Mike Lau
