Parishes across the Archdiocese of Hartford will be taking up a special collection to assist Catholic Relief Services in their response efforts to the destruction that Typhoon Haiyan wreaked on the Philippines.
Catholic Relief Services, in cooperation with its partners, will provide tens of thousands of families with shelter, essential living supplies, and clean water and sanitation.
The devastating storm has injured 2500 people, and displaced over half a million from their homes. Current reports have the death toll at 2000 people, but government officials fear that the final toll may be as high as 10,000.
“The death and destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan is beyond comprehension. It is probably the worst natural disaster to strike in modern history. Please keep our brothers and sisters of the Philippines in your prayers, and reach out to them in any way that you can,” said Archbishop Henry J. Mansell.
WJMJ Radio, the Catholic radio station of the Archdiocese, interrupted their semi-annual Radio-thon on Monday, November 11th, to collect money for the victims of the typhoon. Listeners contributed $31,000 that will be sent to Catholic Relief Services.
“Our Radio-thon is essential to keeping our station on the air,” said WJMJ General Manager Father John Gatzak, “but the needs of victims left hurt, homeless and hungry by this natural disaster is immediate. We’ll figure out a way to make up for this lost time in our fundraising after we serve people who need our help now.”
For Immediate Release (November 12, 2013) Hartford, Connecticut
Contact: Maria Zone
Director of Communications
Archdiocese of Hartford
(860) 541-6491 ext. 127 [email protected]