Aid agencies are pleading with Canadians to donate to relief efforts for Burma's cyclone victims, saying fears that the funds will end up in the wrong hands are unwarranted.

Kevin McCort, Care Canada's president and CEO, took aim at the media for focusing on the struggle to get foreign aid into Burma due to the isolationist military regime, saying the coverage has left Canadians unaware that relief operations are already well underway.

"Canadians are then reluctant to give their financial support because many do not think their money can make a difference," said McCort.

Four agencies represented by Humanitarian Coalition - Care Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam Quebec and Save the Children Canada - held a press conference Tuesday to ask Canadians to open up their wallets.

McCort stressed that the four agencies have more than 1,000 aid workers inside Burma, purchasing local products to distribute to those in need and helping to set up temporary camps. But he added that donations are needed as they ramp up efforts.

"Your dollars do count now and they will get to those who need them," said McCort.

To date, the four agencies say they have raised $150,000.

The appeal comes as rumours swirl that Burma's military regime may be misappropriating aid.

An Associated Press story cites an unnamed longtime foreign resident of Rangoon as saying officials told him high-energy biscuits brought in by the United Nations' World Food Program are allegedly being replaced with low-quality versions by the military.

Agencies ask for government support

International Development Minister Bev Oda told CBC News that Ottawa is working to ensure that Canadian aid is indeed being delivered to the people of Burma rather than the military.

Canadians have been hesitant to give money to relief agencies for fear funds and supplies could be funnelled into the hands of the military junta, instead of the estimated two million cyclone survivors in need.

The agencies also pleaded with the federal government for financial support, saying aid agencies are "best suited" to deliver aid, having been stationed there on development and humanitarian projects for years.

"We know the country, we know the people and we know the government. We have the capacity to deliver aid effectively and efficiently, and to reach those with the greatest need," said McCort.

Cyclone Nargis tore through Burma on May 3, leaving an estimated 62,000 people dead or missing, according to the official state count, but there are fears that the death toll is well above 100,000.

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