ICT People for the People Alert

[rick]

The Computer Professionals' Union (CPU) started its volunteer drive for the Citizens' Disaster Response Center (CDRC) relief operations today. CPU Volunteers from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Taguig came along with the team, who met up with volunteers from the University of the Philippines - Diliman to participate in the repacking of donated goods. Before that, CPU manned the new media operations of CDRC, updating its website and social networks with a constant stream of information updates on the aftermath of TS Ondoy.

Volunteers stopped work by 7pm, as the line has already run out of cans of sardines to pack along with the rice rations. As it stands, the output of day 1's repacking will suffice for only 600 families out of 11,849 that have requested assistance from CDRC.We urgently need more donated goods that include sardines and other canned goods, potable water, basic medicines, and blankets.

What We Can Do on the next days?

1.) Get your Communities Involved. Initiate relief drives in your neighborhood, go door to door. Help in looking for more donors for contributions both in cash and in kind. Tap social networking sites, your families, and friends in pledging. You can bring your donations to any of CDRC's drop-off centers here.

2.) Volunteer for Relief Distribution. At 9:00am, CDRC will begin its distribution of relief goods to particular affected areas in Marikina. Wear comfortable and durable clothing if you attend to participate here. If you have pick-ups or other SUVs or if you have friends willing to volunteer their automobiles for distribution, please bring them along. At 11:00am, distribution will begin at Pasig.

3.) Volunteer for Continued Repacking. We need to continue steady repacking of goods to keep up with the distribution and donations. CDRC is open 24 hours for repacking, and volunteers can stay overnight at their office.

We need all hands on deck if we are to touch the lives of over 18,000 families. We encourage everyone to chip in and help people help themselves. Tomorrow, work starts at around 9:00am at CDRC's office (72-A Times Street, West Triangle Homes, Q.C.). Bring your friends and family. Donate what you can.

http://www.cp-union.com/ondoy-relief