SOUTHSIDERS are rallying behind efforts to help those who have been affected by the killer typhoon that ripped through the Philippines.
UNICEF Ireland Executive Director, Peter Power, who is in Cebu, one of the islands devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan, has described scenes of utter destruction.
“I have never seen devastation on this scale before,
? he reported.
“The people here have lost everything. About 80 to 90 per cent of buildings have been flattened and roads damaged.
“Parents are unable to feed themselves or their children.
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Mr Power said UNICEF was looking after immediate needs by providing food, water, shelter and sanitation.
“But there is chaos on the ground with difficulties accessing the people who need aid the most,
? he added.
“Children who have lost their parents or become separated by the storm are in a worryingly dangerous situation and need immediate protection.
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As aid efforts get underway Southsiders are doing their bit to help.
Among the many charity events taking place across the country was one organised by the St John Bosco Youth Centre.
On Friday the centre hosted an event for the St James’s Hospital Filipino Association.
Various groups and other community organisations are joined together in organising a fundraising drive in aid of the victims.
The event included a food and t-shirt sale, face painting, raffle, draw, photo booth and production shows.
“We are proud to announce that we will be raising funds for those affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines,
? a spokesperson said.
“This effort is to send immediate help of food and water to victims. Globalbox collections will go to the Red Cross.
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Meanwhile, this year’s Concern Fast is taking place on Thursday, November 28.
Participants can choose to go without food, treats or even gadgets for 24 hours or live on just e1 for the day in order to raise funds for some of the poorest people in the developing world.
A representative of the charity said:
“Right now Concern is working in Syria and is sending a team to the Philippines to assist people in dire need.
“Over three million children will die next year because of terrible food shortages across the world.
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Each year hundreds of schools take part in the Concern Fast. Schools can go online and create their online profile www.concernfast.org.
Students and teachers can share this profile on Facebook and the schools website to encourage sponsorship and participation.
For further information log on to www.concernfast.org or call 1850505055.