Donations to World Vision Canada top $1 million for Philippines response

- Canadian aid worker available for interview from Philippines -

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Generous Canadians across the country have donated more than $1 million to World Vision's emergency response to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.  

Shipments containing 5,400 blankets, 3,000 tarpaulins, 15,000 relief kits and 30 large tents to house child-friendly spaces have already arrived in Manila and will be distributed as soon as possible. The agency looks to support roughly 400,000 people affected by the devastating typhoon, and will prioritize the health and safety of children.

Additional items to be distributed include:

• Hygiene kits - toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary items, hand towels, razors, bath soap, laundry soap, underwear, nail clippers;
• Blankets, mosquito nets, plastic mats;
• Food kits and water;
• Shelter kits.
  
  

Quotes
"Once again, we're witnessing the overwhelming generosity of Canadians in this time of need," says Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada. "One-million dollars will have a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in the Philippines who are hungry, exhausted and displaced. This is an excellent start but of course, just the beginning of what will be needed to respond to this catastrophe"

"Right now the most urgent needs are food and water and other emergency relief supplies - like sleeping mats, blankets, mosquito nets. Those kinds of things would really go a long way for those families who have lost their belongings." Aaron Aspi, World Vision Philippines Emergency Communications Specialist, responding to #typhoonhaiyan

"Devastation is immense," says Mr. Aspi. I've never seen anything like this before. Families were told to leave the danger zones to higher ground, but with the magnitude of this typhoon, even some of the evacuation centres were washed out."

Donation Information
Canadians can donate online at www.worldvision.ca  or by calling 1-866-595-5550. 

The Canadian government 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 8th, 2013.

Background
World Vision believes more than 38,000 children who are in the World Vision sponsorship program have been affected in some way, including more than 7,200 who are sponsored by Canadians.  World Vision has sent three teams to different parts of the country affected by the massive storm, with the first going to Iloilo, Aklan and Capiz; the second to Cebu and Bohol; and the third to Samar and Leyte.

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