MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

— Wellington, Tuesday, 12 November 2013.

Salvation Army launches Philippines Typhoon Appeal

With the Philippines facing devastating destruction and immense human suffering in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, the New Zealand Salvation Army has launched an appeal for funds to help with the emergency response.

“The Philippines is part of our Asia-Pacific community and we want to do all we can to help in their time of need,” says Commissioner Robert Donaldson, Territorial Commander of New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.

The worst-hit area is around Tacloban, the capital of the island province of Leyte. The islands of Iloilo, Palawan and Mindoro were also badly affected.

The Salvation Army in the Philippines has ordered US$100,000 of food supplies to assist the people of Tacloban and is making arrangements with the Philippine Air Force to transport food, water and medical supplies.

The Salvation Army has a well-established presence in the disaster areas and a Salvation Army doctor is part of the initial response team. The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services office in London has also been mobilised. Salvation Army territories around the world are rallying to provide funds for the initial response and the long recovery ahead.

Commissioner Donaldson says The Salvation Army in the Philippines already has considerable experience serving after the floods and typhoons that regularly strike the region.

“We ask people to give generously to The Salvation Army Philippines Typhoon Appeal.”

Financial support from New Zealand will allow The Salvation Army in the Philippines to purchase rice, tinned food, water and bed mats locally for distribution in the towns and cities most affected. The Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations only.

•Support The Salvation Army Philippines Typhoon Appeal:
Secure Online Donations at www.salvationarmy.org.nz/donate
Credit Card Donations, phone 0800 53 00 00
Postal Donations to The Salvation Army, PO Box 27001, Wellington
Please specify ‘Philippines Typhoon Appeal’ as the specific use for your donation.

ENDS

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