Typhoon Haiyan Relief Operations: Singapore Red Cross Raises S$3.8M

Secretary General charts humanitarian work progress

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) in a press conference today announced progress made in its relief operations on the ground in the Philippines, since mounting emergency relief in the Visayas over the past two weeks. In addition to an advance team which distributed emergency relief items to the survivors in the areas of Cebu and Ormoc, two medical teams with six doctors and three nurses are currently in Ormoc providing much-needed healthcare to the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan.

Since the launch of its public appeal for Typhoon Haiyan, SRC has received some S$3.8 million in donations. Mr. Benjamin William, Secretary General of SRC noted that, “We have received tremendous support from many individuals and organisations. Oxley Holdings’ matching fund for example has strongly boosted our relief efforts”.

On behalf of the SRC and in the witness of Her Excellency Minda Calaguian-Cruz, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, Chairman Tee Tua Ba received a one million dollar donation from Mr. Ching Chiat Kwong, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Office of Oxley Holdings.

“We are very lucky to be residing in Singapore where we are protected from typhoons, earthquakes and tsunamis. The worst weather condition that we face for example is a few days of continual rain! So we are in a good position to help, and that is what we should do. Through the dollar-for-dollar matching, we want to help survivors of Typhoon Haiyan rebuild their lives, and at the same time encourage others to do the same,” said Mr. Ching.

“Over the short span of two weeks we have received donations and help from people from all walks of life. I was particularly touched when I heard how Cleo Contreras, a ten-year old girl, who has contributed all her piggy bank savings to help the survivors,” Mr. William shared.

“Without the strong support from donors and volunteers, our relief work could not have been possible,” he added.

Touching on the next steps for SRC’s relief efforts, Mr. William said, “Our teams are working with the Philippine Red Cross to help bring relief and medical aid to the affected communities. But providing immediate relief is not enough, we must also look ahead and start thinking about the critical work of rehabilitation and reconstruction”.

“For the next phases, we will focus on essential needs of the communities. This will include shelter, critical amenities like, schools, medical centres and water and sanitation facilities. The priority will be to ensure that all donations are optimized and that the needs of the individuals and communities affected by this devastating disaster are met in the choice and delivery of these projects,” he added.

At its headquarters, SRC has set up a Restoring Family Links (RFL) call center to assist people who are looking for their family missing members in Philippines. Hitherto, the call center has received over 40 calls and successfully connected one family.

The category 5 typhoon has affected more than 5 million, displaced up to 4 million and caused more than 4,000 deaths.

To find a family member (Restoring Family Links)

For assistance, please call the Singapore Red Cross at its main line 6664 0500 with details of your missing family member.

To donate

Cash/Cheque

Please visit the Red Cross House at 15 Penang Lane Singapore 238486, from 9am to 6pm (Mon-Fri) or make your cheque payable to ‘Singapore Red Cross Society’ and post it to the above address. Please indicate ‘Red Cross Haiyan Relief’ on the back of the cheque, along with your name, contact no. and address.

DBS/POSB iBanking and POSB ATM

Please click here for complete list of steps for DBS/ POSB and ATM iBanking.

OCBC internet banking, mobile banking and ATM

Please click here for complete list of steps for OCBC- internet, mobile and ATM banking.

Please note that OCBC’s donation channels are open between 13 Nov 2013 to 12 Feb 2014.

UOB internet banking, phone banking and cheque payment

Please click here for complete list of steps for UOB internet banking, phone banking and cheque payment.

Credit Card

Please click here to apply for a donation via credit card.

PayPal*

Please click here to donate via PayPal. (Please indicate ‘Haiyan Relief’ in the remarks column.)

SimplyGiving*

Please click here to donate via SimplyGiving.

*Donations are subject to administrative charges carried by these online payment gateways.

**Note: In-kind donations (food, clothes, etc) are not accepted due to logistical considerations. Tax deduction is not applicable for overseas giving.

To fundraise

Please click here for the 3rd party fundraising form.

Please click here for donation tin request form.

Please direct the above application forms to fundraising@redcross.sg

Follow @philredcross for updates on Philippine Red Cross preparedness and response actions. Hashtags for Typhoon Haiyan are #Haiyan and #YolandaPH

Issued on 27 November 2013

*The Typhoon Haiyan Appeal is now closed. Funds raised through this appeal has been and will continue to be used to:

  • provide emergency relief, rehabilitation and recovery assistance to communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan
  • to deploy missions to assist in initial assessments, relief, recovery and longer term disaster management operations; and
  • support the work of our Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in both rehabilitation and longer term community resilience programmes in the affected areas.

For any public appeals, the Singapore Red Cross will not deduct more than 5% of the funds raised to cover appeal costs. Should the funds raised exceed the amount required to meet the immediate and rehabilitation needs of the people in the affected areas, Singapore Red Cross will direct the excess funds to other emergency preparedness and/or community programmes initiatives for disaster affected communities.