The bishops' conference is asking that a special national collection be held before Dec. 9 in the dioceses and parishes of Canada in support of the massive relief effort it is mounting with Development and Peace and other member organizations of the Caritas Internationalis family, to aid the Philippines.
Development and Peace is participating in the response of the global Caritas family and has already sent a first contribution of $100,000 to Caritas Philippines for immediate support, including basic temporary shelters, emergency food and water supplies and medicines for the victims.
“This is a major humanitarian crisis and we foresee that the country will be recovering for a long time. We want to be there every step of the way in solidarity with those affected,” said D&P executive director Michael Casey.
One of D&P’s main partners in the Philippines, Caritas NASSA, is already co-ordinating food and shelter for typhoon victims, CCODP said.
“It’s the first time the Philippines has experienced a disaster of this magnitude,” said Caritas Philippines—NASSA executive secretary Fr. Edwin Gariguez. “The casualties are increasing day by day. There are dead bodies everywhere. People are traumatised. The most urgent needs are for food and water.”
It was first thought that up to 10,000 people may have died, but that number had been scaled back to about 2,500.
In a letter addressed to the bishops of Canada, Archbishop Paul-André Durocher, president of the CCCB, reminded his brother bishops the appeal of Pope Francis made during his weekly Angelus Prayer at the Vatican this past Sunday.
“Pope Francis invited us to pray publicly and privately for the many who have lost their lives or have been affected by this terrible tragedy and to come to their assistance,” wrote Durocher.
The Government of Canada has pledged a matching contribution of all donations received prior to Dec. 9 by Development and Peace and other eligible charities.
Donations can be made by telephone (1 888 664-3387), online at www.devp.org or by sending a cheque made out to Development and Peace and indicating Philippines Typhoon to: Development and Peace, 1425 René-Lévesque Blvd. W., 3rd Floor, Montreal Que., H3G 1T7