Singapore Red Cross launches public appeal and hotlines for Typhoon Haiyan relief

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has launched a dedicated fundraising appeal to receive donations for Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts, and hotlines for 'Restoring Family Links' service to assist Singaporeans and Filipinos in locating their family members who may have been affected by the disaster and with whom they have difficulty contacting.

To facilitate public donations, it will extend its opening hours to 0900-1900 (Mon-Fri) 0900-1200 (Sat-Sun) with effect from tomorrow (Tue, Nov 12).

The Singapore Government is contributing an additional $150,000 through the Singapore Red Cross to kickstart the public appeal. This is on top of the $50,000 committed yesterday, which brings the total Singapore Government contribution to $200,000. The Singapore Red Cross has of yesterday committed as its first tranche of humanitarian aid, emergency relief supplies worth $100,000 for the survivors' immediate needs. A team of SRC volunteers and staff will leave for the affected areas at Visayas on Thursday to help with the distribution of relief items. SRC is working closely with the Philippine Red Cross to despatch medical teams to the affected areas in the coming weeks.

"Reports coming in from many of the affected areas and from various sources indicate that Typhoon Haiyan's impact on the Philippines has been dramatic. As the overall picture starts to emerge, it is evident that this is a mega-disaster which has had a devastating impact on the population especially in coastal areas in Leyte but also in northern parts of Cebu, Iloilo and Palawan," opined Mr Lim Theam Poh, Deputy Secretary General of the Singapore Red Cross.

"We have received close to a hundred phonecalls and emails from concerned members of the public, expressing interest to help in one way or another. At this critical time of need, cash donations would allow greater flexibility in our response coordination and immediate relief purchase and distribution," he added.

To find a family member (Restoring Family Links)

For assistance, please call the Singapore Red Cross at its hotlines 6664 0501/6664 0502 with details of your missing family member.

To donate

Please visit the Red Cross House at 15 Penang Lane Singapore 238486, from 9am to 7pm (Mon-Fri) 9am to Noon (Sat-Sun), or post your cheque to 'Singapore Red Cross Society' at the above address. Please indicate 'Red Cross Haiyan Relief' on the back of the cheque, along with your name, contact no. and address.

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

To volunteer

The Singapore Red Cross welcomes volunteers to man its hotlines and fund collection booths. Please register with the volunteer team at 6664 0500.

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

spanaech@sph.com.sg