In November, Emergency Essentials worked with
CharityVision to send supplies to the Philippines to help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan after it ripped through their country. After gathering supplies, fourteen members of CharityVision flew down mid-November to bring a spark of hope to the people in Leyte.
Many of the volunteers working with CharityVision already spoke the local languages (having served church-related missions to the area) and had medical backgrounds such as emergency room doctors and nurses, physician assistants, medical doctors, or rescue professionals. Once they arrived, volunteers immediately worked to provide medical attention to people of all ages and to clear roads of downed trees and other debris.
When reflecting on the team’s efforts in the Philippines, Tom Aguilar of Omnimed (another Utah company sponsoring the effort) said, “This CharityVision advance team [is] completely self-contained and equipped. They each hand-carried 150 pounds of every imaginable form of medicines and supplies, tools, and solar equipment . . .”
Despite the efforts of CharityVision and other volunteers, the conditions of the country are still bleak with destruction as thousands of homeless refugees seek food and clean water. However, volunteer and locals alike are working to rebuild homes, and lives, within the destroyed community.
CharityVision continues to send groups roughly every 10 days, focusing more on reconstruction than medical care although they still play an important role in helping the people. In January, another group will head over to help rebuild the infrastructure of the health system and provide additional relief work, according to Jon Woozley, one of the volunteers of CharityVision.
To read the rest of how CharityVision is working to provide relief to those in the Philippines, check out their article: http://globalgoods.com/yolanda11-20.html
As we remember those still experiencing the aftermath of this natural disaster, let’s not forget the power of community involvement and volunteer efforts in giving aid. There are many good, reputable organizations still accepting donations to help in the Philippines. We encourage you to donate if you are able.
For more information on how to prepare and help others to survive through natural disasters like this, check out our Insight Articles to make sure you know what to do if one strikes in your area:
Hurricane Preparedness
Avalanche Safety
What to Do Before, During, and After a Flood
Earthquake Preparedness
Preparing for a Tornado
