Sex Toys, Winter Coats, And Spanish Flags: The Uselessness Of Post-Disaster Donations | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation

Sex Toys, Winter Coats, And Spanish Flags: The Uselessness Of Post-Disaster Donations | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation: Years of studying disaster relief has led Jose Holguin-Veras to a few simple truths about donations. While tiger costumes and sex toys aren’t going to do much good, it makes people feel better to think they’re helping. But they’re not--they could be doing a lot of damage.

Getting on with it: Bangkok bounces back

Getting on with it: Bangkok bounces back: More than five million people have been affected by Thailand's floods, which the World Bank says has cost the Kingdom some $20.77 billion in damage and $23.31 billion in lost opportunities.Those figures include the devastating damage to architectural treasures in the old Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok. Ayutthaya is a World Heritage Site and one of the kingdom's prime tourist attractions.

American Red Cross Extends Funding of Critical Medical Care in Haiti

American Red Cross Extends Funding of Critical Medical Care in Haiti: WASHINGTON, Friday, January 06, 2012 — The American Red Cross has committed an additional $3.6 million to underwrite operating expenses at Hospital Bernard Mevs Project Medishare Critical Care Trauma and Rehabilitation Program in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This increases the total funding of the hospital to $8.6 million since the earthquake struck. The funding will support services until December 2012.

New forms of disaster relief a better alternative to straightforward giving - The Mainichi Daily News

New forms of disaster relief a better alternative to straightforward giving - The Mainichi Daily News: But here, in this desolate town, some locals are undertaking new efforts. In November, Masaki Takahashi, 36, the head of the planning department at long-established fish-processing company Takamasa & Co., proposed a "local buying for local consumption" scheme for relief supplies. With the cooperation of the local association of commerce and industry, he created a system by which those wanting to offer assistance can do so by purchasing goods from companies in the disaster-hit areas. Whoever wants to send aid can contact the local commerce and industry association, which supplies the names and contact information of local companies carrying the goods the callers are hoping to donate.

UN Seeks Relief Aid for Philippine Flood Victims � VOA Breaking News

UN Seeks Relief Aid for Philippine Flood Victims � VOA Breaking News: United Nations official is appealing for more than $28 million in relief aid for the Philippines, saying the area devastated by massive flash floods looks like it was hit by a tsunami.

U.N. humanitarian coordinator Soe Nyunt-U is calling on the international community to supply funding for basic needs, such as clean drinking water, food and emergency shelters, to the hundreds of thousands of victims of the natural disaster in the southern Philippines.

Foreign aid floods Sendong victims - GMA News Online - The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere

Foreign aid floods Sendong victims - GMA News Online - The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere: The governments of Malaysia and Germany have joined the relief efforts for survivors of Tropical Storm Sendong in northern Mindanao by donating money amounting to around P34 million — the latest in the long list of foreign aid being received by the Philippines in the wake of the destructive cyclone.

Clinton Bush Haiti Fund gives $1.5 million in grants to hotel, education, tech sectors - The Washington Post

Clinton Bush Haiti Fund gives $1.5 million in grants to hotel, education, tech sectors - The Washington Post: PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund says it hopes $1.5 million in grants will help Haiti build its hotel, education and technology sectors.

The nonprofit created by former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush said Tuesday it’s given a $264,000 grant to the Oasis Foundation that seeks to train potential hotel workers in hospitality services.

KL youth help clean up Thai homes after floods - General - New Straits Times

KL youth help clean up Thai homes after floods - General - New Straits Times: SAMUT SAKHON (Thailand): About 100 Malaysian youths on Sunday provided assistance to more than 800 households in Zin Somboon housing estate in Thailand's central province here.

American Red Cross Had 137 Big U.S. Relief Operations in 46 States in Disaster-Filled 2011 - MarketWatch

American Red Cross Had 137 Big U.S. Relief Operations in 46 States in Disaster-Filled 2011 - MarketWatch: Throughout the year, the American Red Cross supported the people of Japan and Haiti, while launching 137 domestic disaster relief operations in 46 states and territories to help people affected by fires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes across the United States. In addition, major international disasters included the Japan earthquake and tsunami response and the continuing work following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Rotary Youth Exchange Students march for flood relief - Pattaya Mail - Pattaya News, Communities, Opinions and much more...

Rotary Youth Exchange Students march for flood relief - Pattaya Mail - Pattaya News, Communities, Opinions and much more...: Nearly 200 youngsters came together for Thailand’s flood victims as the Rotary District 3340 Youth Exchange committee organized a parade through central Pattaya.

Tropical Storm Washi hits the Philippines: Food and medication on their way to disaster zone - AlertNet

Tropical Storm Washi hits the Philippines: Food and medication on their way to disaster zone - AlertNet: Cologne. Malteser International, the Order of Malta’s worldwide relief service, is supporting the emergency relief efforts in the Philippines with an initial 10,000 euros after this weekend’s flash flood left more than 650 people dead and 800 more missing. A sudden rush of water caused by tropical storm Washi caught hundreds of families in the Cagayan de Oro and Iligan provinces on Mindanao Island unaware in the middle of the night on Friday. Today, the Philippine association of the Order of Malta airlifted 1,000 kilograms of food and medication to the disaster zone. The association intends to send another load containing 1,000 kilograms of aid goods tomorrow.

Philippine Flood Relief Shifts to Aid Survivors - NYTimes.com

Philippine Flood Relief Shifts to Aid Survivors - NYTimes.com: Ms. Cabilogan, 33, moved her family to her brother’s house on the other side of town, which was less affected. But tens of thousands of people affected by the floods that devastated the southern Philippines had no such option, and by Monday, officials had turned their focus toward the welfare of the living.

Japan Society Earthquake Relief Fund Allocation Reaches $5.6 Million: Press: About: Japan Society

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Japan Society Earthquake Relief Fund Allocation Reaches $5.6 Million: Press: About: Japan Society: apan Society Earthquake Relief Fund Allocation Reaches $5.6 Million
December 13, 2011

New York, NY -- Japan Society today announced it has earmarked an additional $2.5 million from its Japan Earthquake Relief Fund to seven Japanese, American and international NGOs working on economic revitalization, mental healthcare and child welfare. This latest announcement brings total allocations from the $12.1 million fund to $5.6 million distributed to 13 organizations representing 17 projects.

The latest round of disbursals will support the following organizations:

Linkin Park says disaster victims are “Not Alone” � Inside the United Nations: Welcomed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who thanked the band for using their music to help those displaced victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami. Since 2005, the Music for Relief campaign has planted over 955,000 trees and raised upwards of $4 million to help victims of natural disasters around the world. Most recently their efforts have helped those displaced by the earthquake in Haiti.

“We’re partnering up with designers to bring affordable lighting to these people,” said Mike Shinoda, co-lead vocalist of the band to MediaGlobal. “The prices start at about $5 each – I think that’s very cost effective,” lead guitarist Brad Delson quipped. “And they look cool!”

Thai king, marking 84th birthday, call for unity to overcome flooding problem - The Washington Post

Thai king, marking 84th birthday, call for unity to overcome flooding problem - The Washington Post: Thai king, marking 84th birthday, call for unity to overcome flooding problem



By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, December 5, 3:22 AM

BANGKOK — Thailand’s king called for his countrymen to unite in response to the worst floods in half a century. The revered monarch spoke Monday to mark his 84th birthday and amid deep political divisions plaguing the country.

Saint Mary's prof composes 'Music for Haiti' - southbendtribune.com

Saint Mary's prof composes 'Music for Haiti' - southbendtribune.com: effrey Jacob is no ordinary music teacher. The Saint Mary's College professor, a classically trained pianist, recorded the album "Music for Haiti" after witnessing the generous outpouring of help when an earthquake hit Haiti in 2010.

"I began this CD project in the days following the earthquake that destroyed the capital of Haiti and much of the island," he says. "Over 200,000 deaths were recorded along with at least as many serious injuries, making this one of the worst natural disasters in all recorded history. I was deeply moved by the suffering of the Haitians, but also the outpouring of international aid and cooperation, the heroic rescues, the almost unbearably touching scenes of family members reunited, the feelings expressed by many of hope for the future."

Aid agencies urge effort to stop child deaths in Asia floods - AlertNet

Aid agencies urge effort to stop child deaths in Asia floods - AlertNet: ANGKOK (AlertNet) - Aid agencies say some of the 300 child deaths caused by floods in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam - most from drowning - could have been prevented by raising safety awareness and teaching children to swim.

Simple steps that could stop further casualties in these countries, where drowning is already a major child killer, include swimming lessons, educating families about the dangers of playing in floodwaters, and better understanding of potential disasters.

Dell Donates $350,000 for Disaster Relief in Flood Ravaged Thailand - Direct2Dell - Direct2Dell - Dell Community

Dell Donates $350,000 for Disaster Relief in Flood Ravaged Thailand - Direct2Dell - Direct2Dell - Dell Community: To help aid in the recovery, Dell is donating $350,000 to the UNICEF Thailand Disaster Relief. UNICEF is focusing on emergency relief and post-flood assistance to affected children and families in the areas of health, water supply and sanitation, hygiene promotion and education.

$3.8M donated for wildfire relief | KXAN.com

$3.8M donated for wildfire relief | KXAN.com: AUSTIN (AP) - Charity officials said more than $3.8 million has been donated for Central Texas wildfire victims since the blazes began Labor Day weekend.

Helping Thailand's flood victims with squeegees | CNNGo.com

Helping Thailand's flood victims with squeegees | CNNGo.com: Since July, more than 530 people have died in Thailand's floods. In response, volunteers from the foreign and local communities have mobilized a fundraising campaign called "Wipe the Tide."

This month, more than 200 volunteers (and counting) have hit the streets of the capital to take action and support Thailand residents during the severe flooding crisis. Their mission is to help flood victims and rebuild the city’s devastated areas by washing car windshields for donations.

Launched by Bangkok Vanguards, a local grassroots organization, Wipe the Tide began with nine volunteers posted at major traffic intersections. In less than two hours, they raised nearly 27,750 baht.