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Red Cross fundraiser nets $60K
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Posted on Aug 27 2004
Committed to the goal of raising $1.5 million to fund relief efforts for those affected by Supertyphoon Chaba, the American Red Cross began yesterday its solicitation campaign and collected at least $60,000 from business and individual donors so far.
Red Cross volunteers were also seen on roads, holding out tin cans and asking motorists for donations.
American Red Cross-CNMI chapter executive director John Hirsh estimated that it would need over $1 million to support relief efforts, as Chaba displaced over a thousand residents from their homes.
The number of houses that were either destroyed or damaged reached at least 2,150, based on the Red Cross’ preliminary damage assessment. Some 323 houses were destroyed, 883 sustained major damage, while 944 had minor damage.
Saipan had the most number of wrecked houses, with 222 destroyed, 583 sustaining major damage, and 367 with minor damage. Tinian had 28, 122, and 54, respectively; while Rota had 73, 178, and 523.
The Bank of Hawaii and Tan Holdings Corp. yesterday donated $25,000 each to the Red Cross to support its relief efforts, Hirsh said.
The Aqua Resort Club also donated $3,000, besides scores of wool blankets.
“That is our contribution to the community,” said Ken Yanagisawa, a hotel executive. Aqua Resort’s acting general manager, Joy Soneja De Jesus, said the donation could be used by the Red Cross to help some 1,000 evacuees in government shelters.
Hirsh and Red Cross board chair Juan Guerrero thanked the donors for their contributions, as they recognized the community’s resiliency to adapt to the disaster situation until recovery is attained.
Hirsh said the number of evacuees could rise as a new storm is approaching the islands. “The big challenge right now is the weather.”
Guerrero said Red Cross national office representatives are now on-island to assist in relief efforts. If funds that would be raised locally exceed projected expenses, the remainder would be given out to the Red Cross national headquarters, he said. The Red Cross national headquarters is currently assisting local relief efforts using its own resources. (John Ravelo)
