(ANS - Cebu) – A week after the start of rescue operations, international aid is now reaching the areas most affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Aid activities are also being planned throughout the Salesian world, starting from the Philippines. We report below some of the many initiatives:

Don Bosco Missions of Turin has made ​​a documentary in Italian and another version with English subtitles to present the current situation and what is most needed.

The Salesian Mission Office in New Rochelle has created a page of "Fast Facts" where it is stated, inter alia:

• During the passage of the typhoon the Mary Help of Christians Institute in  Cebu opened its gym to assist the population. When the water began to rise all were moved into the classrooms. The buildings survived. After the typhoon, meals were served.
• Currently the aim of the Salesians is to help and assist 8.5 million people, or about 2,000,000 families affected.
• The Salesians in the Philippines have designated 11 centres for the reception and storage of aid. In Cebu and in the provinces of Eastern Davao and Western Negros, a call was made for volunteers to help assemble rescue kits.
• It is planned to remain involved during the recovery phase when the emergency phase has passed.

In collaboration with various partners in the United States, the Salesian Mission Office in New Rochelle:

• is coordinating the shipment of 285,120 packages, including energy meals of rice and medicines.
• is also coordinating the shipment of various container of footballs provided by One World Futbol. These will arrive in Cebu next week and will be used to distract children and relieve stress from trauma through games.
• the company TOMS was contacted to provide new shoes for those in need.

From the various Salesian organizations involved, including Solidaridad Don Bosco in Seville, and Noi per Loro in Italy, we are receiving reports of excellent fund-raising activities and an effective communications campaign through social networks. This afternoon, in addition, there is a conference of the principal leaders of the Don Bosco Network (DBN) to analyze and plan activities.

From the formation communities of the Philippines comes news of their activity: yesterday, Sunday, November 17, at the Don Bosco Center for Studies in Paranaque Mass was celebrated for the intentions of those affected by the typhoon. Students and staff have donated goods that will be sent to the affected areas. The previous day, students and teachers of Seminaryo ng Don Bosco, Paranaque, canceled classes to help Caritas-Manila. They loaded 3 trucks of relief goods.  At the St. John Bosco Salesian parish in Makati, numerous volunteers from the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati and other Salesian communities pledged to assemble relief kits.

Published 18/11/2013