As the central Philippines recovers from Typhoon Haiyan, the death toll continues to rise. It is believed more then 10,000 people have died because of this disaster.
It is reported that most of the damage has been caused by huge and strong winds, rather than water flooding. Of course the streams and rivers are overflowing and full of rubble and many homes have been swept away. All of this is on top of the recent earthquake and the recovery that everyone is dealing with. You can see a report by clicking here.
We understand that many people are missing and others are living outside in makeshift tents. Government buildings are still not used until engineers can assess their structural integrity. You can see a slide show and news report here.
Our Rotary Club is collecting disaster aid which Rotary Clubs from the Philippines will oversee there. Anyone wishing to contribute can make a cheque out to Woodstock-Rotary Benefit Trust and note “disaster activities” or online go to www.woodstockoxfordrotary.org at the top click on Donate to our Charity, it will bring up and drop down menu, then click on Disaster Relief Fund Philippines and you can fill in there. or click on the following link. Woodstock-Oxford Rotary Donate Page (In either case, Canada tax receipts are issued). The Woodstock-Oxford Benefit Trust is on the list to receive the Canada matching for Philippine disaster. So every dollar you donate will be matched by the Canadian Government.
Peter Stam
International Services
Rotary Club of Woodstock-Oxford