Lest We Forget
During the 2 minutes of silence today on Remembrance Day, I thought about my grandfather who served in the Royal Naval Air Service during the First World War (see photo of my grandfather – standing left on his armored car in WW1) and about my father who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. I also gave thanks for all our armed forces personnel and people who step up to the plate to protect us and others around the globe.
Thoughts turned
My thoughts then turned to the people of the Philippines and the horrors and deprivations they are facing since the typhoon three days ago.
Millions of people
The head of the Red Cross in the Philippines has described the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan as “absolute bedlam”. More than nine million people have been affected in the Philippines. Many are now struggling to survive without food, shelter or clean drinking water.
What can we do?
What could I do to step up to the plate to do something for them? Joanne and I made a donation to the Canadian Red Cross. This blog is also part of our contribution.
Matching contributions
Please consider doing something or making a donation. Most governments including our Canadian government have agreed to match contributions made to registered charities.
Philippine friends
Our hearts and prayers go out to all our Philippine friends, that their relatives are safe and that their country will begin recovery as people around the world step up to support and help.
Small planet
Remembrance Day is a time to look to the past, remember, consider and be grateful. It can also make us think of the future. Remind us that the planet is small and fragile and made up of people much like ourselves. Human beings with similar dreams, hopes and aspirations.
We can make a difference
We need to take care of each other so that we diminish suffering and don’t foster future wars and strife.
Our small contributions make a difference. Our small acts of kindness are like pebbles thrown into water, they have a ripple effect that spreads out and touches unknown shores.
List of US recognized Typhoon Haiyan charities (from Time magazine)
Canadian Charities:
- Unicef Canada – To send emergency supplies to Filipino children affected by the disaster (Loblaws triples your donation)
- Canadian Red Cross– To help with emergency supplies
- Save the Children -To help with disaster relief efforts for children and families affected. 10 per cent of donations will be put aside for the next emergency.
- World Vision Canada – To provide life saving essentials and emergency supplies to victims
- Oxfam Canada – is ready to deploy water and sanitation materials to those affected.