An operation walang iwanan: Typhoon Rai/ Odette update
Last December 17, 2021, Gawad Kalinga Philippines (GK) activated Operation Walang Iwanan: Typhoon Rai: Odette (local name) in response to the calamity that struck thousands of Filipino families residing in Visayas and Mindanao.
In the wake of such massive and widespread destruction reminiscent of the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan, GK wasted no time in rallying generous donors from all over the world to help our kababayans get back on their feet. Calls for donations rang on the ground and online, and those who possess selfless hearts readily answered. It was through their generosity that GK was able to provide assistance in the form of food packs, relief packs containing sleeping mats, hygiene kits, and protective covers, and funds for roof repairs/replacements to those who are in need.
A month after Operation Walang Iwanan: Typhoon Odette began, GK USA has remitted almost $85,000 and scheduled to send an additional $110,000 to GK Philippines to support its relief efforts. To date, GK has distributed more than 16,000 food packs to affected provinces, including Cebu, Negros Occidental, Surigao del Norte, Leyte, and Bohol through the help and dedication of volunteers, donors, and mission friends like GK USA. GK reached as far as Palawan, crossing seas and mountains to deliver food packs, drinking water, sacks of rice, and clothing to Dumaran and the island town of Araceli, which were among the hardest-hit areas in the province.
While GK has made significant progress in its mission to uplift those who have been severely affected by the devastating storm, the bayanihan is not yet over. GK USA stands by Gawad Kalinga Philippines as it moves towards the next phase of rehabilitation.
The Philippines has an average of 20 typhoons every year. Supporting GK USA’s Disaster Relief/Preparedness Fund allows us to respond quickly when natural calamities strike. A donation of $15 provides a family with emergency relief packs containing food, water, first aid/hygiene kits, mats and other basic needs as communities struggle with no electricity and no communications. $595 can help restore homes, reinforcing roofs and windows to grant them the safety and security that they deserve.
Help GK USA intensify the light of hope that the new year brings by donating today. Visit https://gk-usa.org for more information.
