Needs Growing in the Philippines

The Philippines was struck by the worst disaster in its history on Friday, when super Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda) ripped through the country.

It is estimated that over 9.5 million people are in need of aid across nine provinces, and that 600,000 people have been forced from their homes. The extent of the devastation wrought by this unprecedented storm continues to be revealed.

Numerous Canadian organizations have gone on record as providing funds for the relief efforts including Bell Canada,CIBC,TD Bank,and Development and Peace, who has a long history of working in the Philippines and has already committed $100,000 to support relief efforts.

“This is a major humanitarian crisis and we foresee that the country will be recovering for a long time. We want to be there every step of the way in solidarity with those affected,” said Michael Casey, Executive Director of Development and Peace.

Caritas Nassa, one of DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE’s main partners in the country, is already coordinating the distribution of food and shelter for victims of this catastrophe.

“It’s the first time the Philippines has experienced a disaster of this magnitude. The casualties are increasing day by day. There are dead bodies everywhere. People are traumatised. The most urgent needs are for food and water,” said Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Executive Secretary of Caritas Philippines-NASSA.

They also has programs in Tacloban City in Leyte Province, one of the most affected areas, and have been in contact with its partners there to assess the needs and develop a response.

Donations made to DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE for relief efforts are eligible for the matching fund program announced by the Canadian government. Donations will be matched until December 9th, 2013.

Donations can be made by telephone (1 888 664-3387 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting), online at www.devp.org or by sending a cheque made out to DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE and indicating Philippines Typhoon to:

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
1425 René-Lévesque Blvd. West. 3rd Floor
Montreal QC H3G 1T7

Canadians can also take advantage of Sears Canada to donate to the Red Cross Typhoon Haiyan Fund.  Sears is accepting donations at all retail stores across Canada, beginning Tuesday, November 12, and by phone by calling Sears toll-free number, 1-800-26-SEARS (1-800-267-3277), beginning Wednesday, November 13.

In-store, donations in denominations of $1 or $10 may be made by cash or any major credit card. A tax receipt will be issued by the Canadian Red Cross for donations of $10 or more for donations made on a Sears Card or Sears MasterCard, as Sears can only pass on information to the Red Cross from Sears credit card holders, with their permission.  By phone, only credit cards may be used, and receipts will be handled in the same way. Donations made on a Sears Card or Sears MasterCard can earn valuable Sears Club points.  Canadians visiting www.sears.ca will be provided with information on how to donate.

SOURCES: DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE,  Sears Canada Inc