Credit: Lethbridge Soup Kitchen
Last month we focused on renewable energy to lessen our carbon footprint and in so doing reduce the effects of climate change in the future – such as more extreme natural disaster events.
Now in December — the season of giving — we’re focusing on how you can give to offset some of the damage caused by the natural disasters we saw this year. Contributions help provide immediate and ongoing medical care, shelter, food, drinking water and the materials and support to rebuild.
All of us can prepare for natural disasters, but we can’t prevent them, and when they happen, it takes a world wide effort to recover.For example, Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast killing at least 1,836 people and leaving 80 percent of New Orleans flooded. More than 70 countries pledged assistance and monetary donations with Kuwait providing the single largest pledge of $500 million. In Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, there was an outbreak of cholera. Andorra and Australia ponied up the most monetary contributions in response. And today in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan struck on November 8th, the United States has provided at least 1,000 military tops to support humanitarian relief efforts along with $20 million dollars for the same.
An aerial photo of the flooding in New Orleans caused by Hurricane Katrina.
(Credit: AL.com/AP photo file)
This month when you are out shopping of the perfect gift, remember that victims of natural disasters are still coping with immediate needs of shelter, water, and food. Tis the season for giving, so throughout the month we’ll feature organizations that you can donate to for relief efforts around the world.
The Collaborative Services Team
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