Athena Gepte, Emergency Response Coordinator ACCORD

I’m writing today because I want to coordinate a surprise for my colleagues and volunteers responding to the typhoon here in the Philippines and I’m hoping to get your help.

All you need to do is hit reply to this email to send a note of thanks to those who are giving their time to help. Just let them know what their work means to you.

I’ll make sure your note gets delivered into their hands where you’re sure to boost spirits all around.

One of the most remarkable aspects of working here in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan is the selflessness and dedication of my colleagues and the volunteers we work with. These are individuals who survived the storm themselves and immediately pitched in to help their neighbors.

People like Fay, who spent the storm wondering if she would survive as the wind blew apart her neighbors’ homes, and then immediately came out to help CARE pack rice, canned beef, and sardines into parcels to distribute by the thousands to other villages devastated by the typhoon.

These people have been amazing, but frankly it’s been months now and there’s still so much to do. So many have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Day after day my team comes face to face with children who’ve lost their parents, and families who are vulnerable and hungry. Despite the tragedy they face, many of them still show so much strength and hope, which is pretty inspiring to see. We all relish the opportunity to help them get back on their feet, but their stories are heart-wrenching. And there are just so many.

That’s why your message of support could mean so much right now to our crew. We’ve been distributing rice, canned food, tools, and other urgently-needed items to tens of thousands of people. My colleagues and our volunteers start early and end late, working long hours to get the relief goods to people in need.

As a CARE supporter you help make these food and shelter distributions possible, and for that I can’t thank you enough. Can you do me one more small favor and also help lift the spirits of the people on the ground?Just reply to this email, and I’ll pass your message along!

Seeing how communities are helping each other emerge with so much hope and determination makes me proud to be a Filipina. And it makes me equally proud to be working with CARE and so many compassionate individuals like you.

The storm could never destroy our spirit or our hope – here in the Philippines or in the CARE community.

Sincerely,

Athena Gepte
Emergency Response Coordinator
ACCORD (CARE Partner)

PS: It will take years to rebuild after the intense destruction of Typhoon Haiyan. But I know CARE donors like you are in it for the long haul, and that you care about the people of the Philippines and survivors of other disasters even when their stories fade from the headlines. Become a monthly donor now for an easy, convenient way to help rebuild after crises and to help lift communities out of poverty around the world.