Just a note to make sure people understand that site takes donations in Philippine currency. People in the U.S. can use the American Red Cross site where there is a link for donations to be dedicated to the Philippine disaster. I assume many countries have their own Red Cross site with such an option.
I didn't realize this. So say you used the above link and donated $50.00 US currency through paypal...that is not the amount the Philipinnes Red Cross received?
Adamrocks, I am not sure whether I understood your question right, but let me try:
You can either log on to the Philippine site and donate directly in ph currency, (i.e. to donate roughly USD 100, you would write 4,300 php or whatever the rate calculator tells you. Your paypal account or credit card in the US is going to be charged with an amount slightly higher than $ 100, because of bank fees, but it is round about that.
You can also go to the red cross site in the US directly. If you use that button to donate specifically to the ongoing ph rescue efforts then they have to use the funds for that purpose. If you just give to red cross directly, they will use those funds based on their fund allocation decisions, and right now, this emergency is of course a high priority and receiving high allocations. So, it is your choice how to give.
Generally, in the time of crisis, logistics are really the immediately determining factor for which help arrives the quickest, not the money flow, that comes later. First it matters, who has drinking water stashes close by and a way to get them there, etc. But obviously, if emergency stashes are used up withing days, they need to be replenished and also, this crisis will require ongoing help for years to come. An organization that has local offices, like the Red Cross, is therefore essential. They help with basic food and water, blankets, medical supplies and all kinds of things. They are a huge organization, not always the most efficient, but they are THERE and they are there long term. So, they need huge amounts of donations to be able to help.
There are a few other organizations that are always good ones to target with donations in such situations, because they have both the expertise and are run with minimal overhead, so your dollar results in the most effective help.
Two organizations that I have always found to be at the top
- in careful fund usage (low overhead)
- effectiveness short term
- and well run long term assistance programs
and that I have both seen at work in many parts of Africa, are:
Doctors without Borders, who focus on the medical needs. They have a page now, where you can specifically click Philippines, if you so wish:
www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/onetime.cfm?source=AZD1300A1S02&mpch=adsThey are already on the ground there (as best as anyone can actually reach the most stricken regions):
Oxfam, is another organization that I always find worthy of support, their focus is water supply, food, shelter and infrastructure. Their Ph effort right now can be supported here:
www.oxfam.org/haiyan. This is what they wrote yesterday: Oxfam’s rapid assessment teams have been deployed to Samar, Leyte and
Northern Cabu to provide emergency supplies of water, sanitation and
shelter. They have further shipments on the way. Here is what they wrote today on their website:
www.oxfam.org/en/emergencies/typhoon-haiyan.
These organizations both will update their websites as best possible, but their first priority is focused on help, not media, so just be aware that not everything will be always the newest info. They do as much as they can.
There are many other organizations helping, and I they all work together all over the world. With the military (US, PH and others) in there right now, just providing basic help with transportation and clearing of major roads, airports, etc. everybody helps where they can. The need is so great, however you want to give, it will be of good use.
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