As news comes in of the devastation in Burma caused by a deadly cyclone all of us here at PickupPal are deeply sadden. The current death count is estimated at 22,000 with 41,000 missing and hundreds of thousands homeless. This after trying to rebuild from the tsunami that struck the day after Christmas in 2004, how does one find the courage. Climate change and pressures from increased population are putting massive amounts of strain on our already fragile eco-system. As I sit here in my comfy chair, with my children safe at school and my Starbucks coffee I wonder how much will it take before we stand up and say enough – perhaps it has to come to my neighbourhood. The same can be said about the devastation in New Orleans – closer to home yet clouded in discussion of poor response by the government, inadequate levy design, poor emergency planning – however the real issue is what is happening to our climate.

Getting on my soap box is truly hypocritical – I know that PickupPal and ride sharing is not going to solve the climate crisis – however I do know that all of you that have joined see our environment as a priority and are taking the steps necessary to change. I applaud all of you that have gotten out of your comfy chairs and joined in for change.

On behalf of all of us at PickupPal I would like to convey our deepest sadness for the families devastated by this deadly cyclone – I encourage all of you donate to the Red Cross or any of the other organizations working to help fund the relief effort.

Respectfully - Eric