Warrington supports typhoon victims

A STALL will be set up in Warrington Market this Saturday to raise money for the victims of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
On display at the stall, run by the Warrington Rotary Club, will be a Shelterbox and Water Survival Box similar to those deployed in response to the disaster, and money raised will go to the RIBI Philippines Appeal and Rotary Box Charities.
Just 12 months ago, five people from one of the most affected areas, Cebo and Leyte, visited the north west on a Group Study Exchange visit, and one of them contacted the Rotary Club with a harrowing message.
Zenifer Hernandez wrote: “As you already know, the Philippines was hit by the monstrous typhoon Haiyan two days ago – it’s the strongest and most destructive we have known and experienced in a long time, and was felt in 10 of the 17 regions and in 44 provinces, which is more than half the country.
“The Visayas region bore the brunt of Typhoon Haiyan. The destruction was massive and horrific. Although the government did everything they could in preparation and evacuated areas there was nothing they could do to prevent such devastation and we were helpless as we watched it destroy everything in its path.
“But we were even more unprepared for the horror that we saw the following day. Dead bodies littered the streets and people were walking about dazed and in shock searching for loved ones. Over 10,000 are dead and many missing. We are unable to validate figures as all communication & power lines are down in Samar and Leyte which makes it difficult to get real time updates.
“What we do know is that survivors need help as they have no food or water – over 80/90% of buildings – homes, public buildings & commercial establishments are totally destroyed leaving little or no shelter. We need help desperately and any donations will be gratefully received.”
The official Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) response is an appeal to support the Rotary Box Charities which have already been deployed, such as Shelterbox.
RIBI President, Nan McCreadie said: “The Rotary supported box charities will provide people with a supply of clean water and other essential items to help them survive the immediate aftermath of the disaster. However, the area will require a significant amount of rebuilding in the long term and it is vital that people are aware that help continues to be needed long after the story has disappeared from our TV screens.”
Resources are already stretched, with aid still being deployed on the Jordan, Lebanese and Kurdish borders following the Syrian conflict.
To make a donation to help the people of the Philippines, please send cheques made payable to RIBI Donations Trust to RIBI, Kinwarton Road, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6PB.
The stall, courtesy of Warrington Borough Council, will be situated at stall five in Warrington Fish Market.
Pictured: Scenes of devastation in the Philippines, as sent to the Rotary Club by Zenifer Hernandez.