SINGAPORE, 22 December 2021 – Mercy Relief, Singapore’s leading independent disaster relief agency, is responding to Super Typhoon Rai which hit the Philippines on 16 December 2021.

Also known as Typhoon Odette in the Philippines, the Category 5-equivalent typhoon is one of the strongest storms of 2021. It first made landfall on Siargao Island and has progressively caused further damage to the country, making a total of nine landfalls in provinces including Cebu, Leyte, and Dinagat Islands. The heavy downpour has increased the risk of flooding and landslides, while huge waves are expected due to the 10- to 14-foot storm surge on the coast.

The calamity has resulted in at least 375 deaths and 56 reported missing; more than 500 have suffered injuries. The typhoon has displaced more than 660,000 residents and disrupted the lives of more than 2 million. More victims are expected over the next few days as search and rescue missions intensify.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy that is affecting the people of Philippines and wreaking havoc in the country. With the situation expected to worsen in the coming weeks, our hearts go out to our Filipino friends and family who are affected by the disaster,” said Angelina Ong, Executive Director of Mercy Relief.

“Mercy Relief is monitoring the situation closely and in contact with our ground partner, Citizens’ Disaster Response Centre Foundation (CDRC), to ascertain the appropriate aid required and are ready to expand our immediate relief operation where necessary. Our utmost priority is to provide emergency relief aid of food packs and hygiene kits to the affected communities in the Philippines.”

Mercy Relief will be launching a public fundraising appeal in Singapore from 23 December 2021 to 23 January 2022 and aims to raise $100,000 for the response operation. Members of the public may make their donations via the following channels:

• Crowdfunding via giving.sg for “Typhoon Rai Relief 2021”: https://www.giving.sg/mercy-relief/typhoonrairelief2021
• Crowdfunding via give.asia for “Typhoon Rai Relief 2021”: https://give.asia/mercy-relief-typhoonrairelief2021
• Credit Card donation via Mercy Relief’s website: https://www.mercyrelief.org/donate/
• Fund transfer to Mercy Relief’s DBS Current Account 054-900741-2. In the Comments field, indicate “Typhoon Rai Relief”.
• Crossed cheque made out to “Mercy Relief Limited” with “Typhoon Rai Relief 2021”, name of donor and email address written on the back of the cheque, and mailed to Blk 160 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, Singapore 310160.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Typhoon Rai Relief 2021

Thank you for supporting the Typhoon Rai 2021 relief efforts.

We are committed to serving those in need during the disaster’s emergency phase. We seek your patience and kind understanding with regards to the promptness of our responses to your queries about Mercy Relief’s operations in the Philippines.

This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document contains answers to common questions about our current disaster relief efforts in the Philippines and details on how you can contribute to ongoing initiatives. The information below might already answer some of your existing questions.

 

Background

Also known as Typhoon Odette in the Philippines, the Category 5-equivalent typhoon is one of the strongest storms of 2021. It first made landfall on Siargao Island and has progressively caused further damage to the country, making a total of nine landfalls in provinces including Cebu, Leyte, and Dinagat Islands. The heavy downpour has increased the risk of flooding and landslides, while huge waves are expected due to the 10- to 14-foot storm surge on the coast.

As of 21 December 2021 morning, 375 deaths have been reported and 56 missing, as well as at least 500 injured by the calamity. The typhoon has affected more than 1 million people and displaced more than 460,000 residents. More victims are expected over the next few days as search and rescue missions intensify.

We need your help! With your donations, we will be able to continue to assist the displaced communities on their route to recovery.

No donation is too small and every dollar contributes to saving lives.

Your help can go a long way, donate now.

Impact as of 21 December 2021

Death: 375

Missing: 56

Injured: 500

Affected: Over 1 million

Displaced: More than 460,000

Immediate Relief Efforts

Q1: What initiatives are carried out by Mercy Relief in response to the typhoon in the Philippines?

Mercy Relief will be conducting hot meals distribution to fulfill the urgent needs of the displaced communities.  For the latest updates on our efforts you can stay up-to-date via our Facebook Page.

 

Donations

Q2: What is Mercy Relief’s main fundraising campaign for the Typhoon Rai Relief 2021?

A: Mercy Relief has applied for a public fundraising permit to raise funds in Singapore, to support relief efforts in the Philippines, from 23 December 2021 to 22 January 2022.

 

Q3: How can I donate?

A: Donations can be made through the following channels:

1. Via our crowdfunding campaign on giving.sg/mercy-relief/typhoonrai-relief2021
2. Funds transfer to Mercy Relief’s DBS Current Account 054-900741-2. In the Bill Reference field, please state “Typhoon Rai Relief 2021“.
3. Credit Card donation via Mercy Relief’s website: www.mercyrelief.org/join/donate
4. Cross cheque to Mercy Relief Limited with “Typhoon Rai Relief 2021”  and your email address written on the back of the cheque, and mail to Blk 160 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, Singapore 310160.
5. Cash donations at Blk 160 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, Singapore 310160.

 

Q4: Will I receive tax exemption for donation to the Typhoon Rai Relief 2021?

A: Donations for overseas purposes are not tax-deductible. Tax exemption is allowed for donations to an IPC (Institutions of a Public Character) for its local facilities and programs. Tax exemption is not allowed to the IPC if the donations are for foreign charitable purposes.

 

Q5: What percentage of these donations will be channelled to the Typhoon Rai Relief 2021?

A: Mercy Relief retains not more than 5% in administrative fees for all fundraising campaigns or public appeals for overseas relief.

 

Q6: How are the funds used? As a donor, how can I be assured that the funds are directed exclusively to the Typhoon Rai Relief efforts?

A: The donated funds will go towards providing essential survival needs such as food, clean water, hygiene kits and non-food items during this acute relief phase for the affected communities.

All funds raised for the Typhoon Rai Relief 2021 will be utilised solely for humanitarian efforts supporting the affected population.

Donors will also receive a report on our activities after the 3rd month and upon completion.

 

Q7: I want to start a fundraising campaign in my school/company/ organisation. What do I do?

A: Mercy Relief welcomes collaborations with potential groups/individuals for fundraising initiatives to support ongoing relief efforts for those affected by the Typhoon Rai Relief 2021. You may also start your own crowdfunding campaign on giving.sg to support our fundraising efforts. For further discussions, kindly email us at intouch@mercyrelief.org.

 

Third Party Fundraisers

Q8: How do I know if the third party fundraiser is legitimate?

A: The list of legitimate third party fundraisers will be updated on the Mercy Relief website.

List of third-party fundraisers for Typhoon Rai Relief 2021
NIL.

 

Q9: How do I ascertain that the person is really seeking donations for the Typhoon Rai Relief 2021?

A: Mercy Relief will apply for police license for any public donation collection under the House to House and Street Collections Act. Any person seeking donations on Mercy Relief’s behalf will be given the Collector’s Certificate of Authority, bearing his name, IC number and details of the fundraising, including dates and places of collection. This certificate will bear original Mercy Relief stamp together with Mercy Relief’s official’s original signature. The collector must be able to produce this certificate as evidence that he is an authorised collector. He must also show his IC for verification purposes.

 

Q10: I wish to donate old clothing, canned food, footwear, etc. Do you accept donations-in-kind?

A: Mercy Relief is currently not accepting donations-in-kind due to constraints in logistics, storage and transportation. During this critical phase of disaster relief, cash donations gives us greater flexibility and efficiency in procuring and providing relief supplies to victims who need it the most. It also minimises the duplication of relief items at the affected grounds.

If you are keen to make a monetary contribution, please refer above on the available donation channels.

 

Q11: I want to volunteer for the relief mission! How can I apply?

A: Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Mercy Relief. Mercy Relief only deploys trained personnel for its overseas relief missions to ensure the safety and security of all volunteers, and the smooth delivery of relief operations.

For local volunteer engagements, please send us an email at volunteer@mercyrelief.org to express your volunteering interest and our volunteer coordinator will get in touch with you for opportunities.

 

Q12: How can I get latest updates on Mercy Relief and Typhoon Rai Relief 2021?

A: Visit our official website at mercyrelief.org for the latest news on our relief and recovery efforts for the flood survivors in the Philippines. Timely updates with photos will also be posted on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MercyReliefOfficial, so make sure to follow us there!

You can track the hashtag #MercyRelief (on FB and Instagram) for relevant updates too.