When flooding destroyed families’ homes in Manila, Philippines, sending them to evacuation centers, Holt donors responded with compassion and generosity — providing the emergency food and supplies families needed to make it through the disaster.
Many families lost everything.
As trash and dirty water flooded into families’ homes, any item that wasn’t completely swept away was left covered in thick mud. One family’s home swept away entirely. Another family’s roof blew completely off.
The Philippines wasn’t hit directly by Hurricane Gaemi in late July, but its effects were still disastrous.
Typhoon Flooding in the Philippines
In late July, incredibly heavy rains and winds caused widespread flooding throughout Manila, and especially in the impoverished communities where children and families in Holt-supported programs live.
Our partner agency in the Philippines, Kaisahang Buhay Foundation (KBF), immediately began reaching out to families to ensure that everyone was safe. But this proved difficult with loss of cell service, and because many had to seek shelter in evacuation centers.
All Holt-supported children and families were accounted for and safe. But this was the worst flooding they had experienced in years. And even as the water began to recede in the coming days, families suddenly had to rebuild their lives.
Thankfully, Holt donors generously stepped in to help, providing the critical emergency items they needed to get through the disaster.
Holt Donors Provide Emergency Relief
With funds from Holt donors, KBF assembled 437 emergency relief packages. Each contained rice, canned goods, crackers, chewable vitamin C, rubbing alcohol, a bath towel, a woven mat and pillow. These items were carefully selected to keep children from going hungry, and to keep them healthy amidst the damp and unhygienic conditions in their post-flood homes and neighborhoods.
In the days that followed, KBF held events at nearby schools to distribute these emergency relief packages. Not only did they bring critically needed items, but also hope to communities worst affected by the flooding.
“Thank You,” on Behalf of Children & Families
The following letter is from Glady Bunao, the executive director of KBF. She wishes to thank Holt donors for their quick generosity — resulting in profound help and encouragement to children and families affected by the flood.
Dear Holt International and Holt donors:
Warm greetings from the Philippines and KBF!
I want to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of help, assistance, kindness, and sacrifice shown to our children-beneficiaries, and their families affected by the flooding due to typhoon [Gaemi]. Their houses were flooded and most of their things got wet and could no longer be used. Some families went to the evacuation areas because their homes were not livable because of water that entered their houses, and their things got wet including their bedding. Through your help, we were able to serve 437 children!
During the distribution of your support to the children and families, they expressed their deepest appreciation to Holt donors for this material support. Many of them said that they can now comfortably sleep at night because they have dry pillows, blankets, and sleeping mats. They are so thankful for the medicines, food, and liquid sanitizers/alcohol. They would like KBF to extend their gratitude.
We know that KBF speaks for these children and families, so please accept this letter of gratitude. We would never have been able to put smiles on their faces after the flood without your generosity. May our dear Lord bless all of you thousandfold.
Yours truly,
Glady Q. Bunao, RSW, MSW, Executive Director of Kaisahang Buhay Foundation
Help a Child in Greatest Need
Give emergency help to a child who is hungry, sick or living in dangerous conditions. Your gift will provide the critical food, medical care, safety and more they need when they need it the most.
