As many of you know, the Philippines was recently devastated by what the many have referred to as “the perfect storm,” a “super typhoon,” and “one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded.”
It has been a little over a week since Typhoon Haiyan (or Typhoon Yolanda, as it is known in the Philippines) made landfall in the Philippines, and yet the needs of the victims in its path have not abated. Many remain without shelter, food, water, or medication. According to CNN, as of November 15:
- more than 3,000 are dead
- 9 million are affected, 4 million of whom are children
- 2.5 million are in need of food despite 40 tons of food packs having been distributed
- $300 million in immediate relief is needed.
The Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALANY), along with the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) and the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA/NJ), encourage you to consider helping relief efforts in any way you feel appropriate.
See upcoming fundraising events here.
See locations for donation drop-offs here.
Please keep in mind that due to the magnitude of the devastation and the limited manpower available on the ground, financial contributions to aid agencies are most welcome, rather than donations of consumer goods.
If you wish to make a financial donation, we suggest the following organizations for your consideration, both of which have 501©(3) status:
- University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America (“UPMASA”). UPMASA is a non-profit organization comprised of medical professionals who graduated from the University of the Philippines. They are accepting donations until December 11 to support their medical mission to the worst affected areas in the Philippines. The funds will be used to provide acute and prophylactic care to those most in need. Donations may be made through their website: www.upmasanational.org.
- Gawad Kalinga (“GK”) is a non-profit organization founded in the Philippines. It has been at the forefront of ongoing relief efforts. GK is collecting donations to assemble food packs. One food pack costs $5 and will feed a family of four for 3-4 days. The organization is also collecting donations for the infrastructure rehabilitation and rebuilding of the affected areas. Donations can be made through their website: www.gk-usa.org/donate. Checks may also be mailed to Gawad Kalinga USA, 13860 Stowe Drive, Poway, CA 92064, Memo: Typhoon Haiyan.
Also attached to this email is a list of upcoming fundraising events in the area and a list of drop off locations for donations in kind (canned goods, blankets, clothing).
We encourage you to inquire with your employers regarding donation-matching programs. The following companies have established such programs:
- Allstate (dollar-for-dollar match for donations made through Dec. 6; a 15% match will be available thereafter)
- McGuireWoods (dollar-for-dollar match of donations made to the Red Cross by its employees up to $50,000)
- Sprint (dollar-for-dollar match of donations made by its employees and retirees up to $25,000)
- Verizon (dollar-for dollar match of donations made by its lawyers and staff up to $25,000)
We thank you for the time you have taken to read this message and for any help you might be able to give. Should you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact FALANY at: [email protected].