The co-operative movement is saddened by the loss of life and the damage done by the Typhoon Yolanda to the Filipino people.
Losses run in the thousands of lives, with many multiples of having been displaced. We have been in communication with our members in the Philippines and they are attempting to assess the situation under very difficult circumstances. The International Co-operative Alliance has in recent years served as a channel for member donations supporting recovery. We did so for the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the 2011 Japanese tsunami, for example. We are now establishing a Recovery Fund that can be used for Typhoon Haiyan response. You will see many other appeals for funds for relief from this disaster and you may well have your preferred charities to support. We encourage you to continue that support for trusted relief efforts. The focus of the Alliance Recovery Fund will be different — on co-operative redevelopment and on redevelopment efforts that employ the co-operative model in rebuilding local livelihoods and housing. Attention will leave the Philippines at some point in the coming weeks. When that happens, there will still be years of recovery needed. Our intent is to ensure that the recovery can continue when the cameras have left. If you would like to support the disaster recovery efforts, you may send your donations to the International Co-operative Alliance: Beneficiary: Alliance Coopérative InternationaleBank: KBCAccount number: 734-0382579-20IBAN: BE28 7340 3825 7920BIC/Swift: KREDBEBB Members donating are thanked for their concern and assistance. Our colleagues in the Philippines will be most appreciative.
