We are all well aware of the terrible tragedy that has struck the Philippines after the destruction wrought by Haiyan. The casualties are numbering in the tens of thousands, there is a fight to get basic food and clean water to the survivors, to get the power lines back up, and to restore order now that the survivors out of necessity have resorted to looting. There is another post discussing the linkage between Haiyan and global warming, a valid discussion, but one that does little to alleviate the real time suffering people are enduring. A friend in Canada sent around a link to a rapid response NGO sending doctors and medical equipment to the affected areas. I encourage you all to donate to it. Additionally, here is a listing of other established and verified charities working to provide immediate relief now.
As some of you are aware, my fiancee is a Filipina-American, and someone who still has a lot of real ties to the country she still considers her first home. Her paternal grandmother and the many uncles, aunts, and cousins that live with her on their small farm are located far away from the areas affected. Her maternal family is out of power and water and we are trying to find a way to send relief to them now. But please keep your thoughts and prayers with the people of the Philippines.
On Veterans Day I now remember her grandfather along with my own. My grandfather was shipped out to fight the Japanese on the same day that Hiroshima was bombed. My fiancees grandfather spent the bulk of the war in a POW camp. My grandmother got generous survivors benefits from my grandfathers service, my fiancees grandmother had to wait several decades to finally see some of those benefits. Please stop the Republicans from cutting these further and pitting veteran against veteran.
I woke up this morning with the intent of looking for such a list of charities. Many thanks!!