It’s been almost five months since Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda ravaged the Philippines, killing thousands and leaving in its wake a huge humanitarian crisis. For some of us, the victims were our family members or close friends, but for all of us, the victims are our sisters and brothers that we need to help in this tragic time. SEIU Healthcare 1199NW has united with our International Union to raise funds for relief efforts and we have begun to send funds to projects that we have chosen as having the biggest impact.
Right now, SEIU funds are supporting:
- Construction of seven primary healthcare clinics and eight day care centers, serving a population of 33,601.
- Construction and donation of 50 fishing boats to fishers who lost their boats in the typhoon.
- Donation of vegetable seedlings and livestock including pigs and chickens to these same communities.
With remaining funds, we are considering projects including constructing an elementary school, funding more livelihood and economic projects, or building docking and launching structures for boats.
We are partnering with two carefully chosen Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): the Active Citizenship Foundation and the Council of Health Development. Their initiatives meet our criteria of coordination with local government, alignment with progressive values, measurable and sustainable outcomes, transparency, and accountability.
We are committed to continuing our efforts to support Filipinos in impacted areas and will post periodic updates on our progress.