World Vision expands Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts

Aid efforts growing two weeks after huge storm strikes the Philippines

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Aid workers from World Vision are working hard to reach more survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which caused extensive devastation when it struck the Philippines two weeks ago. Despite difficult conditions in the aftermath of the storm, World Vision has provided food supplies and hygiene kits to more than 24,000 people in the affected areas.  The international humanitarian agency has also opened its first Child-friendly Space, which providing emotional support to more than 400 children who have been displaced by the storm. New Child-friendly Spaces will be opening in the coming days.

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"I saw the incredible damage caused by Typhoon Haiyan during my visit to the Philippines this week," says Michael Messenger, Executive Vice President of World Vision Canada. "Despite the fact that whole communities had been completely flattened by the storm, the Philippine people I met have shown incredible resilience in the face of disaster."

"One family I met during my visit had lost virtually everything they owned, and the mother was worried about the future of her eight-day old baby, who had been born just one day before the typhoon hit," Messenger says. "There are thousands of similar stories across the islands and agencies like World Vision are doing everything they can to comfort the survivors."

"Canadians have once again shown their true spirit of generosity in response to World Vision's fundraising campaign for Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts," says Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada. "We urge everyone to consider making a donation before December 9^th to take part in the Government of Canada's matching donation program."

Among the highlights of World Vision's relief efforts for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan are:

• More than 24,000 people in the provinces of Cebu and Iloilo have received food supplies and hygiene kits.
• World Vision is targeting to provide relief supplies to more than 400,000 people in eight Philippine provinces in the coming weeks and beyond.
• World Vision has opened its first Child-friendly Space in a remote community in the northern region of Cebu. More than 400 children are taking advantage of the opportunity to play games and receive support from volunteers in a safe and comforting environment. Plans call for additional Spaces to be opened in affected communities in the coming weeks.
  
• Generous Canadians have already pledged $3 million to World Vision Canada's relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan. This is in addition to a $2 million grant from the Government of Canada, which was announced earlier this week.

Canadians wishing to support the emergency response in the Philippines can donate by visiting www.worldvision.ca or by calling 1-866-595-5550.  The Government of Canada has announced a Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund. Through this fund, the government will set aside one dollar for every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians to World Vision Canada or other registered Canadian charities between Nov 9th and Dec 9th, 2013.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca.

 

SOURCE: World Vision Canada

For interviews, media may contact:  Bob Neufeld, Manager, Emergency and Corporate Communications, 905-565-6200, ext. 3265 or 647-622-2045. E-mail: [email protected]