Young people key in raising funds for Philippines
As the Philippines faces a long, grim path to recovery in the wake of last year’s Typhoon Haiyan, many in the Cayman Islands are still offering their support.
The Cayman Islands Red Cross, with the help of the local community, has sent more than US$56,800 to assist the most vulnerable people affected by the disaster.
Red Cross Disaster Manager Danielle Coleman said, “Donations came in all forms, and every single dollar made a difference. It truly was a community-wide effort to reach out to the Philippines.”
Cayman Islands Red Cross Deputy Director Carolina Ferreira explained, “We are well aware that times are extremely difficult for a number of individuals, families and even businesses across the island, so we understand that people want to know where their donations are going and to ensure that they get there.
“All of the funds that were donated to the Cayman Islands Red Cross Typhoon Haiyan fund have played and will continue to play a part in assisting the most vulnerable in those areas, and the people of the Cayman Islands should feel very good about being able to extend such a helping hand to our fellow men,” she said.
Young population helps out
The Red Cross stated that, along with numerous private donors, young people led the way with their effort to assist. Funds were collected in lieu of birthday gifts, in exchange for chores, and through the sale of cherished toys and other items.
The adult population also stepped up to the plate by hosting public and private functions on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac to raise money for survivors of the disaster. Schools, businesses, churches, clubs, and other establishments came on board.
In the Philippines, the International Federation of the Red Cross, in partnership with the Philippines Red Cross and other national societies, continues to work on the ground to address the needs of the most vulnerable, Red Cross officials in Cayman said.
Response programs continue across affected areas, and the current major priorities are shelter and rebuilding livelihoods.
Schools in some of the affected areas were due to reopen on Jan. 6, but with more than 4 million people displaced and the high demand for shelter for these survivors, schools in some of the most affected areas continue to serve as shelters for the displaced population.
The Philippines Red Cross is continuing with large-scale relief distributions of food parcels, non-food items and shelter materials, and bottled water.
So far, 227,277 food parcels have been distributed to approximately 1,136,385 people, the Red Cross reported.
More than 3.4 million liters of clean water have been produced and distributed to more than 1.1 million people in Tacloban, Tolosa and Dulag on Leyte island. Some 61 latrines have been constructed, providing sanitation facilities for more than 1,500 people.
Relief aid has also provided 324,041 households with basic emergency shelter materials such as tarpaulins, tents, tools and ropes. To date, 29,874 households have received support for self-recovery through distribution of more durable roofing material, tool kits, cash and technical assistance.
Cayman Islands Red Cross branch director Jondo Obi thanked residents of the Cayman Islands for their “incredible support” of the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan.
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