Watford-based charity, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, (ADRA-UK), is flying two of their head office staff to the Philippines to help coordinate relief operations. Zeny Cooper, herself a Filipino, flew out on Monday to assist in financial accountability and grant control. This, she says, is an essential role “to ensure that internal control systems are in place and that the supplies will get to the people who really need it.” Programmes officer, Tom Pignon, will follow soon after. “The team already on the ground are reporting that transportation is incredibly difficult”, Tom reports from his office on Stanborough Park, Garston. “Aid is waiting to be delivered. ADRA is currently distributing 3,500 food kits that will feed families for three days,” he added. That relief will then be scaled up over the next few days. ADRA-UK made an immediate initial contribution of £30,000. This adds to the half a million US dollars across the ADRA network already pledged to get relief operations off the ground. ADRA has an advantage on many agencies in that it already has a substantial local presence in the Philippines and a positive level of support from the population, many of whom are either members of the Seventh-dayAdventistChurch or who hold the Church and its humanitarian activities in high regard. “My family live in the Northern part of the Philippines and so are safe, but as I watched the typhoon approach and then saw the devastation in its wake my heart went out to so many who are suffering. I know many who have lost loved ones. I’m just grateful to be able to do a little bit to help.” Zeny said. In direct response to the tragedy, ADRA-UK has launched an appeal to raise funds to bring immediate relief to the victims. Donations from the public are welcomed at the ADRA-UK website www.adra.org.uk, cheques can be sent to: ADRA-UK, Stanborough Park, Watford, Herts, WD25 9JZand made payable to “ADRA-UK” and if possible, Gift Aid your donation by including a signed note saying “Please Gift Aid this donation”. The website will be regularly updated with progress reports.
Watford charity team fly to Philippines to assist in typhoon Haiyan appeal
Published on: 20th October 2017 | By: The Newsdesk | Category:
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