The Philippines - from this …	… to this
Before we arrived to deliver our Family Survival Boxes	Rotarian and DART Dave Tuweski at one of our camps

Disaster Aid Australia, an Australian Rotary Club project, together with its international partners, (also all Rotary Club projects) is proud to report on how we as Rotarians, with the assistance of our generous donors, have and are making a difference to the people of Cagayan de Oro, the worst hit region following Cyclone Sendong in the Philippines.

Jenni Heenan, CEO of Disaster Aid Australia said, "with the incredible assistance of our partner on the ground, the Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. (BMFI) www.balaymindanaw.org another not-for-profit organisation, our aid has been hailed as professional and exceptionally effective. None of this would have been possible without BMFI and their tireless volunteers, their connections to the Government, politicians, the Army, Air Force, locals affected by the Cyclone and many other groups."

"Truck loads of volunteers have arrived every day to assist us in delivering our unique shelter in the form of our Family Survival Boxes, clearing land so survivors are housed with dignity," Jenni said.

"With the assistance of other NGOs and volunteers we are also providing sanitation, water, education facilities, lighting. We are truly making a real difference – together," Jenni said.

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Partnering with Philippines Army, Air Force, Police, Rotary and …

Disaster Aid Australia (DAA) as an Australian Rotary Club project, together with its international partners, (also all Rotary Club projects) is on the ground in Cagayan de Oro, the worst hit region following Cyclone Sendong in the Philippines. It has taken more than 1,500 lives, with 1,000s still missing, and left nearly 250,000 people without homes or basic belongings.

Rotarian Barry Hicks from the RC Taree (D9650) contacted DAA CEO Jenni Heenan requesting assistance in the Mindanao region with the supply of our Family Survival boxes. “Barry’s in-depth knowledge and his associations from many years working in this region were instrumental in Disaster Aid International signing a MoU with the Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. (www.balaymindanaw.org) another not-for-profit organisation,” Jenni said.

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The Philippines – Australian Rotarians working with Rotarians

You will be aware of the devastation and loss of life following the flooding in the Mindanao region over the weekend.  Close to 1,000 lives have been lost – including a Rotarian and a Rotaractor – with more missing as the flood waters of Washi wiped out entire communities.

Disaster Aid Australia (a project of the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills – D9820 Australia) together with our international Rotary club partners are in contact with DG Sam Fontanilla (D3870 Philippines) and also Rotarian Ruth Carlos-Martinez (D9800 Australia) to determine the logistics and potential delivery of Disaster Aid Australia’s humanitarian aid.

CEO of Disaster Aid Australia and Rotarian Jenni Heenan said, “We are on stand-by awaiting the confirmation and security assurances from our fellow Rotarians, both here and in the Philippines.

“History tells us that this time of the year is not one of joy for so many within our region.
It may be Christmas time but as Rotarians, we are always available to assist those most in need,” Jenni said.  

Vale Lee O'Reilly

We are all saddened to advise another loss within the Disaster Aid Australia and Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills family.

Today we lost our dear friend Lee, wife of DAA Director and President John O'Reilly.

Such a vibrant lady with a commitment to making the world a better place and a huge supporter of DAA - travelling to the other side of Victoria to attend a Rotary meetings to assist us.

To John and his family, be strong and know that our thoughts and love are with you at this time.