Singapore Red Cross makes ‘urgent’ appeal for Cyclone Pam donations
SINGAPORE — The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) launched a public appeal today (March 18) aimed at raising S$3 million for relief and early recovery efforts in Vanuatu, after tropical cyclone Pam hit the nation last Friday evening (March 13). The appeal is backed with SRC’s initial contribution of US$25,000 (S$35,000) from its emergency fund for disaster response.
According to some estimates, almost half Vanuatu’s population has been affected by the cyclone. Much of the infrastructure in the country was also damaged with debris strewn across its capital, Port Vila, the SRC said in a statement release today.
“While the death toll is low, many thousands have lost their homes,” said SRC’s secretary general, Mr Benjamin William. “Thousands more are without shelter or adequate access to food and clean water.”
As most of the country is without power, and communicaton is very limited, there are “tremendous logistical challenges in reaching affected communities,” Mr William added.
The funds collected will be channeled towards “acute emergency relief and recovery assistance for the affected communities and the displaced people”, Mr William said.
The SRC said it is also planning on sending a response team to Vanuatu to assess the ground needs and provide emergency medical assistance.
The public is encouraged to make their donations via cash, online transactions or crossed cheques.
Starting from today, SRC will also operate on extended office hours (9.30am to 7.45pm on Mondays to Fridays and 9.30am to 4pm on weekends) to receive walk-in donors.
Cheques should be made payable to “Singapore Red Cross Society” with “Cyclone Pam 2015” marked at the back, and posted to Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 236486.
Those subscribed to DBS banking services can select “Cyclone Pam” from the billing corporation list under the “Bill Payment” tab to debit the donation.
For further enquiries, call the Singapore Red Cross hotline at 6664 0501 during office hours, or email them at enquiry [at] redcross.sg.
