POHD seeks assistance to aid storm victims

PENANG: The storm which hit the states in the northeren region (Kedah, Penang and Perak) on November 5 was recorded to be the worst in recent history. Heavy rains and strong winds which led to floods and winds, caused massive damage and also lives lost, especially in Penang which was affected badly by this natural disaster.

Even The Lighthouse community service centre, which feeds the homeless and destitute, run by the Penang Office for Human Development (POHD), was not spared from this predicament. The roof of our two houses was blown away, and the café, thrift shop and laundry were also damaged and leaking badly.

In providing relief to the affected areas POHD, through the help of the various ministries in the parishes in the diocese, have mobilized a group of volunteers to survey the affected areas and provide assisance in whatever way possible to anyone who is in need.

Urgent help is needed especially in those areas that are the hardest hit. Some parishes have been given financial asistance to respond swifly to provide for the immediate needs, such as, food and clean water to the victims before further help arrives. so that the lives of these people may be restored and return to normalcy. Special thanks to the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur who has come forward with a sum of RM100,000 and the Diocese of Malacca-Johore with RM200,000 to help with the relief efforts.

Those who wish to volunteer kindly contact Christine at 012-4025292, and those who wish to contribute financially please contact the Penang Diocesan Office at 04-2292742

Cheques made payable to : PENANG OFFICE FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online