News coverage over the past few weeks has only briefly touched on the extent of devastation that natural disasters across the globe have had.
Mexico City is struggling to cope with the extent of damage caused by one of the largest earthquakes recorded. The US and Caribbean were battered by Hurricane Irma and victims are now expecting the arrival of Hurricane Maria. These desperate families are ill prepared to withstand yet another storm and have already lost everything. Thankfully, many charities and organizations are providing much needed care and emergency aid to families torn apart by natural disasters.
As an active community leader, Vincent Mays encourages individuals to come together during times of tragedy and disaster.
Below, he lists some of the charities accepting donations related to these tragedies as well as other ways you can help out and make a difference in the lives of others!
UNICEF’s relief fund asks for one time or monthly donations. Their monthly donations start at just £5; this money can provide 17 children with exercise books to continue their education in the aftermath of disasters.
Red Cross
The Red Cross have set up a disaster relief asking for one time donations. Just £30 can provide 13 jerry cans of clean and fresh water for families, a £50 donation provides 12 warm blankets for survivors in emergency shelters and a £100 donation can provide kitchen kits for 5 families. Every donation made in the UK will be matched by the UK Government.
Global Giving
Global Giving aims to raise $1,533,610 to provide necessary disaster relief in the US and Caribbean. So far they have raised a massive $828,886. Head to globalgiving.com to find out more about their disaster relief funds and how you can donate.
Oxfam
Oxfam are asking for one time donations to provide much needed aid to disaster areas. One £35 donation can provide hygiene kits to prevent the spread of disease, a £60 donation can provide families with clean and safe water to drink and a donation of £100 can help build washing facilities and toilets for those displaced by the disasters.
Save The Children aim to send emergency health units, with teams of nurses and doctors, to provide relief in the heart of disaster zones. Over 4 million children lay in the path of Hurricane Irma and it is estimated that over 1 million of these children were evacuated from their homes.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provide food, drink and shelter as well as practical assistance to all those affected. Their volunteers are some of the first to arrive and provided evacuated and homeless families with somewhere safe and dry.
Looking for a more active role? Vincent Mays recommends trying one of the following ways to offer your support:
- Consider Volunteering: Charities, particularly animal welfare organizations are under-staffed and in high demand. Consider volunteering to provide an extra helping hand.
- Open up your Home: Do you live in a neighboring state or city? Airbnb are waiving all fees for people to help provide free accommodation to hurricane evacuees and those left homeless by the disaster.
- Donate Blood: Blood banks are in great need of volunteers to donate blood as patients being evacuated from disaster areas are creating a high demand. You can find a local blood drive at the Red Cross website.
- Adopt a Pet: Have you been considering adoption? Now could be the perfect time as shelters are overrun with rescued animals. In Texas alone, over 100 dogs were rescued and sent to local animal shelters.
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