Additional $5 million is Latest Donation for Red Cross Work in the Philippines
The American Red Cross today committed an additional $5 million to support the global Red Cross response to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, bringing the total to $16 million to date.
The $16 million in funding will be used to purchase and distribute relief items such as food, blankets, hygiene kits, and mosquito nets and to provide cash grants for use when markets begin functioning normally.
"Americans have been very generous in their support of the Philippines, and last week I was able to see firsthand how the American Red Cross is able to provide emergency relief to those affected by this devastating event with that generosity," said Harold Brooks, senior vice president, international operations for the American Red Cross.
In addition,13 American Red Cross specialists are in the Philippines providing support to the Philippine Red Cross- including a mapping specialist, a shelter specialist, two telecommunication specialist, two assessment specialists, two specialist focusing on providing cash grants and a five-person team to assist the global Red Cross Emergency Response Team in distributing relief supplies,
The Philippine Red Cross is the largest humanitarian organization in the country and thousands of volunteers are engaged in this disaster response. The Philippine Red Cross and its 6,200 volunteers have delivered 44,000 food packages and more than 185,000 gallons of clean water.
Specialized emergency response teams from other Red Cross societies across the globe are working in the Philippines to assist the Philippine Red Cross. These include teams with expertise in logistics, disaster assessment, shelter, health, water and sanitation. They have set up water purification systems, a field hospital, mobile clinics and are delivering relief supplies to affected communities.
The American Red Cross expects to make additional contributions to support the humanitarian response in the coming weeks. Donations received from American Red Cross and other Red Cross partners will aid the Philippines relief and recovery efforts through the Philippine Red Cross and possibly other organizations as experts on the ground determine the best way forward.
HOW TO HELP Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS to donate to typhoon relief. People can also mail in a donation to their local Red Cross chapter. Gifts to the American Red Cross will support disaster relief efforts to help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
CONTACT: Public Affairs Desk, Telephone: (202) 303-5551, FOR MEDIA ONLY
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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