VCU community joins together for typhoon relief efforts

The VCU community has been quick to respond after Typhoon Haiyan caused catastrophic damage and killed thousands in the Philippines last week.

VCU representatives are working with disaster relief organizations and local Filipino-American groups to coordinate disaster relief.

“As our thoughts and prayers turn to those in the Philippines affected by Typhoon Haiyan, employees asked us how they can help,” said Debra Fitzgerald, coordinator of work/life resources for VCU Human Resources.

VCU employees may give through the VCU CVC site at https://vcuhshrweb01.mcvh-vcu.edu/CVC/, and VCU Health System employees can donate by using the intranet at VCUHSHR or the online site at https://vcuhsess.mcvh-vcu.edu/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f

Donations may also be made directly to the relief agencies by visiting the following websites:

-        American Red Cross (CVC #3403) - http://rdcrss.org/16SdgLr
-        Doctors without Borders (CVC #0336) - https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/  
-        CARE (CVC #0308) - http://care.org/emergencies/typhoon-haiyan

Employees who choose to donate directly to those sites and wish to have their donation also counted as part of the 2013 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign should send a copy of the donation to their unit’s CVC Campaign Associate or to the CVC Co-Chairs – university: Debbie Fitzgerald at dmfitzge@vcu.edu or health system: Marie Greenwood at mgreenwood@mcvh-vcu.edu.

VCU students, staff and faculty can have the greatest immediate impact by donating money to a reputable relief organization, according to Cathy Howard, Ph.D., vice provost for community engagement. 

“The best way to assist relief and recovery efforts in the immediate aftermath of a disaster is through financial contributions,” Howard said. 

About 100 registered nurses at the VCU Medical Center are natives of the Philippines. Larry Little, vice president of support services at the VCU Health System, coordinated with representatives of Virginia Hospital Laundry to collect, box and deliver nearly 600 pounds of blankets and scrubs. 

The student organization Filipino Americans Coming Together (FACT) is holding a relief drive and fundraiser on Monday, Nov. 18, from 11:45 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the concession stand next to the Student Commons Theater. The group will collect money and set up boxes for donations of non-perishable foods, summer clothing and hygiene products. 

“Heritage is a big part of it but even more importantly, we can’t forget those less fortunate who need our help more than ever,” said Andrew Marzan, FACT president. 

The VCU Division of Community Engagement will include additional information about new and ongoing typhoon relief efforts initiated by VCU groups or the community. 

“We recognize that recovery is going to take time,” said Tito Luna, neighborhood outreach director for the Division of Community Engagement. “And we are committed to long-term collaborations with the community to support and promote ongoing relief efforts.”   

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