Rebuilding lives

From this.. Before we arrived to deliver our Family Survival Boxes

To this.. Rotarian and DART Dave Tuweski at one of our camps

Disaster Aid UK and Ireland, together with its international partners, is proud to report on how we , with the assistance of our generous donors, have and are making a difference to the people of Cagayan de Oro, the worst hit region following Cyclone Sendong in the Philippines.

Jenni Heenan, CEO of Disaster Aid Australia said, “with the incredible assistance of our partner on the ground, the Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. (BMFI) www.balaymindanaw.org another not-for-profit organisation, our aid has been hailed as professional and exceptionally effective. None of this would have been possible without BMFI and their tireless volunteers, their connections to the Government, politicians, the Army, Air Force, locals affected by the Cyclone and many other groups.”

“Truck loads of volunteers have arrived every day to assist us in delivering our unique shelter in the form of our Family Survival Boxes, clearing land so survivors are housed with dignity,” Jenni said.

“With the assistance of other NGOs and volunteers we are also providing sanitation, water, education facilities, lighting. We are truly making a real difference – together,” Jenni said.

Congressman Rufus Rodriguez said, “Disaster Aid International are rebuilding our communities, not just putting up camps, and this is what we need.”

Monsignor Tex Lesimas said, “Social welfare of those affected by this disaster is so very important and now with these Disaster Aid community camps we can address this; wonderful!”

Ed Cox, Disaster Aid Head of Deployment and Training said, “Our goal is to rebuild and maintain communities in safe, comfortable areas. The dignity of those we assist must be our main focus, listening to them and seeing how we can help further. Working with the Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. has

been invaluable; their compassion and drive is truly inspirational to us all on the DART team.”

On location, volunteer Rotarian DARTs Dave Tuweski (D9500) and PP Hans Van Dyk (D9820)

Rotarian and volunteer DART Dave Tuweski said after his first day of setting up the community and seeing the families move in, “I can’t describe the feeling of seeing our Family Survival boxes in action and the appreciation of the families. I’ve never experienced anything like it; I didn’t think it would hit me like this but it’s indescribable.”

Hans and Dave, meeting with members of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro (D3870) Philippines

“I am constantly overwhelmed by the gratitude that is shown to us working here, both by those families affected by this devastating cyclone and the volunteers we are working with. To relay the words of those here on the ground to all donors from around the world, thank you for your utterly selfless donations to allow DAI to do what they do,” DART volunteer and Rotarian PP Hans Van Dyk said.

“This has been a combined multi sector approach – Catholic Relief Services has provided water for our Disaster Aid camps, Team Energy has provided internal shelter solar lighting and outside lighting, and the latrines in the camps have been provided by the regional elective Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, all through a combined approach implemented by our valued partner Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. and Disaster Aid International,” added Hans.