I'm sure you have heard and seen the devastation caused by recent typhoons that have displaced more than two million people in the Philippines.  Manila and surrounding areas were dumped with more than a year's worth of rain in just 12 hours, causing the worst flooding in more than 40 years.  The government has declared a "state of calamity" in metropolitan Manila and 25 storm-hit Provinces.  

Several of you have contacted me, knowing of my relationship with the Philippines and that I have Rotary friends and colleagues living there, many who have been hit personally by this huge disaster.  People have lost their homes and there is no way to cook food or get clean water, except to wait for volunteer aid workers who deliver necessities in a boat.

The pictures and video footage seen in the media have been disturbing, especially knowing that a lot of the worst hit areas are places that I often visit.  In fact, I've been hosted in some of the flooded areas you will see.  So I have a personal connection with this devastation knowing that our gracious Filipino friends are in desperate times right now.  

If you might wish to help the families most affected by making a donation, Rotary will put the funds to good use.  The most essential items will be purchased such as water, powdered milk, rice, cup noodles, canned goods, blankets, etc.  Rotary leaders there (many are friends) have set up a committee to oversee receipt and fair distribution of our financial aid to ensure it goes to the most needy recipients.

The Rotary Club of Meadow Ridge, BC has kindly offered the use of their Foundation to process donations and tax receipts along with assistance from Heidi Johnson, a former GSE team member in that area.

So if you wish to donate, please forward a cheque made payable to

MEADOW RIDGE ROTARY FOUNDATION and mail to:
Doug Vincent
Box 1583
Woodstock, ON
N4S 0A7

Note:  Tax receipts will be given out for donations of $50 or more.