Submitted by Olympia Gives
Hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, forest fires. It seems there is no lack of natural disasters that can befall us. Emergency preparedness is a call to all of us to be better prepared for whatever might come upon us. Being ready to take care of yourself for 3 – 7 days after a disaster strikes is what every citizen is asked to prepare for. You will need food, water, shelter and clothing to protect you from the elements.
Unfortunately, there are those who are unable to meet their day to day basic needs for food, clothing and shelter, much less trying to prepare for an emergency. Those are the folks we help by giving a HAND OUT when disaster strikes, here or abroad.
It is not a novel concept to try to give people living in poverty a HAND UP. Giving them a hand up means providing them with the tools and skills they need to care for them and their families. Helping them do this makes them more resilient and able to help themselves when disaster strikes.
As we approach the season of giving, let us think about those among us that may need a hand out or a hand up. There are many local organizations that have lists of people in need of a hand out this season.
The one-two punch disasters that struck the Central islands of the Philippines made it impossible for the affected communities to survive, much less recover. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the island of Bohol in October, followed by the super Typhoon Haiyan 3 ½ weeks later. The earthquake destroyed many solid, stone buildings that would have served as shelters from the upcoming storm. Many homes in impoverished areas were patched together pieces of wood and corrugated steel sheets that were very easily blown away by the 195 mile per hour winds. Even the best built buildings did not have roofs that held up against the strong winds.
For the Filipinos affected by these disasters, life goes on. A hand out will help them survive another day. A Hand up out of poverty may make it possible for them to get out of poverty, build sturdier homes, and better protect themselves. GAWAD KALINGA is a non- profit organization working to raise communities out of poverty, one family at a time. They will be helping to rebuild many homes but also helping to improve many lives. You can find more information about them at www.gk1world.com Check them out.
Olympia Gives – is a local fundraiser for those affected by the disasters in the Philippines. We ask folks to join us in an evening of fun dedicated to bringing relief to those in need. Local community groups like Samba OlyWA, Filipino American Community of South Puget Sound, local hula and Zumba instructors, have gotten together to bring you some performances and opportunities to be active and have fun while donating to a good cause. Please join us.
Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Eagles Ballroom on Fourth and Plum, downtown Olympia.
Financial donations (cash and checks) will be taken at the door. There will be snacks and a juice bar for refreshments for a donation as well as a raffle of items donated by local businesses. This is a non-alcohol and non-smoking event. Families are welcome.
For those unable to attend and interested in making a donation, you can drop off your donations at Traditions Café, corner of Water Street and 5th Avenue in downtown Olympia.
Please make checks payable to; American Red Cross and under memo: for Philippine Typhoon Haiyan. You can also go online and make a donation directly to the American Red Cross or to Gawad Kalinga on their websites.
For more information, please email 4pinoys@gmail.com
