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Hegland: Soudelor anniversary to provide healing
The Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts is already planning various activities to commemorate the first year anniversary of Typhoon Soudelor.
CARE director Jenny Hegland said the anniversary would help the people of Saipan heal. The island was the hardest hit by the typhoon in Aug. 2, 2015.
“This anniversary will be a vital opportunity for healing and community-building. It will also be an important time to honor the resiliency and strength we have embodied,” said Hegland in an email.
“It would also acknowledge the struggles people are still enduring and the needs that still exist,” she added.
“We Will Rise” will be the anniversary week’s theme.
“In preparation, CARE is working closely with our network partners including the American Red Cross and the Crisis Counseling Program through the Community Guidance Center to plan and coordinate a series of anniversary events during the first week of August 2016,” Hegland said.
She added CARE’s network partner played a critical role in the island’s recovery that’s why they wanted to have a centralized and coordinated calendar of events commemorating the first year anniversary.
“We also know that other groups, organizations, and agencies may be planning anniversary events, and our hope is to promote all anniversary events through a centralized and coordinated calendar.
Hegland said CARE is still deliberating what would be the events for the pre-Soudelor anniversary commemoration and the week from Aug. 2 to 6, which is subject to change.
“We are in the process of deciding which events will be held during the anniversary week as well as leading up to it, but at this time the concepts the planning team members are exploring.”
Displaying ribbons representing the community’s resiliency; sunrise vigil or ceremony on Aug. 2; “Ride to Recovery” on Saturday morning on Aug. 6; and a “Sou fest” with activities, booths, and performances on Aug. 6 are just some of the plans, according to Hegland.
