SINGAPORE, 16 December 2016 – MERCY Relief, Singapore’s home-grown humanitarian non-governmental-organisation (NGO), is continuing relief efforts to provide basic healthcare and improve community kitchens catering to mothers and children in Aceh, where a 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit last week.
From the 15th to the 20th of December, Mercy Relief is working together with medical providers on the ground to address the basic health needs of 161 mothers and children, at two temporary evacuation centres in the hardest-hit Pidie Jaya regency. The team is also coordinating operations at community kitchens to distribute three nutritious meals, which includes meat, vegetables, rice and potatoes, each day.
Saleha Ali, Manager, International Programmes of Mercy Relief said, “After conducting a series of comprehensive assessments in several evacuation sites, we’ve identified that the most vulnerable communities are the expecting mothers and those currently breastfeeding, in addition to kids and babies under the age of five. Our evaluations have uncovered that the food provided thus far, does not provide adequate nutrition for their specific needs. That is why we are working with local health authorities to focus our efforts on how to best serve these communities.”
Mercy Relief has raised a total of S$75,000, after a public fundraising appeal garnered responses from individuals and organisations such as Mastercard, who donated US$30,000 (approximately S$43,000), as well as the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Foundation.
Currently, funds have been directed to our initial response phase, rendering immediate disaster aid to more than 700 people. However, in the event that sufficient funds have been raised, Mercy Relief will direct excess funding to Disaster Risk Reduction programmes in Aceh. These preparedness programmes can save lives by empowering communities with the knowledge and tools to overcome the next disaster.
In collaboration with National Volunteer Philanthropy Centre, Mercy Relief is accepting public donations until 31 January 2017 via giving.sg. Members of the public can also make their donations via the following channels:
1) Credit Card donation via Mercy Relief’s website: www.mercyrelief.org
2) Crossed cheque made out to “Mercy Relief Limited” with “Aceh Earthquake” and email address written on the back of the cheque, and mailed to Blk 160, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, Singapore 310160
3) Cash donations at Blk 160, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, Singapore 310160 4) Fund transfer to Mercy Relief’s DBS Current Account 054-900741-2
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jolyn Mo
Black Dot
+65 9048 3582
jolyn@blackdot.sg
Nigel Low
Black Dot
+65 9837 4256
nigel@blackdot.sg
