Typhoon Odette Relief Fund (Cebu)

This fundraiser is being organized in support of the Rotary Club of Cebu , to provide relief for victims of Typhoon Odette.

What happened?

On December 16 2021, the Visayas region of the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Rai (known locally as Typhoon Odette) — a Category 5 storm with wind gusts of up to 185 mph (300 km per hour). Among those areas particularly hard-hit was the island province of Cebu (population 5.2 million). The last time the Philippines saw a storm like this was in 2013 with Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda).

The impact of the storm has been, in a word, devastating. The governor has declared the province under a state of calamity. Property damage is widespread, and nearly 300,000 people are currently seeking shelter in evacuation centres.

Cleanup operations are now underway, but help is needed now. Despite teams working around the clock to restore power, much of the island remains without electricity. Roads in many areas are largely impassable, hampering deliveries of groceries and water. Gasoline is being rationed, with lineups of 8+ hours at fuel stations. Mactan-Cebu International airport is down to one terminal. Throughout the province, both manpower and supplies are extremely limited. Residents urgently need food, water, fuel, and materials to help rebuild their homes.

How does your donation help?

All funds raised will go directly to the Rotary Club of Cebu. Donations will be used to procure and distribute roofing materials, water, food relief (rice, canned goods, etc), and hygiene products to individuals and families throughout Cebu province, including Metro Cebu (Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, Mactan Island).

No donation is too small - $10 CAD (about 385 PHP) is enough to supply a family of four with a food pack that includes canned fish, rice, instant noodles, instant coffee, and water.

About the Rotary Club of Cebu (District 3860)

The Rotary Club of Cebu was founded in 1932 and is one of the oldest Rotary clubs in Asia. Rotary Club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.

Why raise funds for Rotary? Why don't they set up the fundraiser themselves?

Although The Rotary Club of Cebu is a registered charity, GoFundMe does not officially operate in the Philippines and requires an individual who lives in one of their supported countries to organize a fundraiser. (Personal note: my father is a member and former president of the club, and both of my grandfathers were also members.) Having seen many of their previous projects firsthand, I feel very confident that any money that goes to the club will be put to good use - they have a solid record of community outreach that goes back decades, and they have an established network of local contacts that can quickly mobilize to distribute food and supplies. Because the club completely comprised of volunteers, all money will go towards relief and not carrying costs/overhead.

If you wish to donate but would like a tax receipt, please consider contacting the club directly for details.

Rotary Club of Cebu (Club Number 17102, District 3860)

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Thank you in advance for your assistance in bringing relief to Cebuanos in need! Salamat kaayo ❤️

With thanks to Mirella Gallego-Gecha, Ed Gallego, and Bernard Vonn Sia for providing photos