Response to the Crisis in the Philippines

From the Archdiocese of Toronto:

The Archdiocese of Toronto is now accepting financial contributions for humanitarian relief as the death toll continues to rise following Typhoon Haiyan that struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013. In the past three weeks, the country has experienced one major earthquake and three typhoons.

Considered the strongest typhoon for the year with sustained winds of 215kph and gustiness up to 250kph, Typhoon Haiyan made six landfalls in Central Philippines, ploughing the towns of Guiuan, Samar; Tolosa, Leyte; Bantayan Island and Daangbantayan, both in Cebu; Concepcion, Iloilo; and Coron, Palawan. As of November 10 at 7 p.m., the government reported 229 individuals dead, 45 injured and 28 missing. The number of casualties is expected to rise substantially.

The official Catholic relief agency on the ground, NASSA-Caritas Philippines, has sent out an Appeal for Solidarity Assistance to their Social Action Network in 86 dioceses to come to the aid of the affected areas. More information can be found online at http://www.archtoronto.org/humanitarian/index.html.

School Boards wishing to help may do so by coordinating through their local parishes:

Make cheques payable to:

Name of Parish –Philippines Typhoon Haiyan – Humanitarian Relief

OCSTA joins with the community in offering our prayers for the victims of this natural disaster and those who have been displaced.

Thank you for your care and attention to the needs of those suffering in the Philippines.