We saw the pictures; we heard the stories; we recognized our common humanity – we knew that ordinary women and men and children, just like us, were facing a desperate situation. And so, in consultation with our partners in the Philippines, the United Church launched an emergency appeal – and folk across the country said “YES!” in a wonderful way. As of Thursday, November 21 we (the United Church of Canada) have donated $276,678.25.

The extra good news is that this figure will be matched by the Canadian government (as will any further donations received by December 9), meaning that already the United Church has raised the equivalent of more than half a million dollars for relief work in the Philippines. Our partners on the ground, The United Church of Christ in the Philippines, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and ACT Alliance, are co-ordinating relief and reconstruction efforts and have already begun to receive the funds.

To read the Moderator’s complete message click here.