Unitarians and Universalists from around the world are responding to the desperate situation in the Philippines left by Typhoon Haiyan. The number of dead continues to rise, thousands more are left
searching for loved ones, and are without homes, water or food.
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) have launched a joint appeal in response. UUSC will coordinate the relief efforts, ensuring that funds reach those who are most in need. Peter Morales, President of the UUA, states, ”A relatively small organization like ours that does not specialize in disaster relief does not have a large role in the first hours and days. That must be done by governments and by large international relief agencies. Our role has always been in the work of long term recovery and in targeting resources to those who are marginalized and often left out of the relief and recovery efforts…. I understand that people often want us to act immediately. That is a generous and compassionate impulse. However, our best work, both in the U. S. and abroad, is in our work that takes the long view. ”

UUs have close ties to the Philippines and to the 29 churches of the UU Church of the Philippines. Queries have been made about our fellows UUs there, and word has been received that the island of Negros and Manila, the two locations of congregations and communities, were thankfully not
significantly affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

Here in Canada, those who want to help are asked to make monetary donations. Ottawa will match each dollar donated by Canadians to registered Canadian charities for the Philippines Crisis Matching Fund until December 8. Here are some ways Canadians can contribute:
-Canadian Red Cross - http://www.redcross.ca/


§  GlobalMedic - http://www.globalmedic.ca/


§  World Vision Canada - http://www.worldvision.ca/


§  Save the Children Canada - http://www.savethechildren.ca/