By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
FLYING into Cagayan De Oro in the Philippines last December, Disaster Aid Australia volunteer Hans Van Dyk was confronted by a scene where more than 1000 had died and 7000 homes were flattened.
The Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills-based agency provided tent cities, clean water, first aid supplies and expertise to Filipinos in dire need.
“You may see 150 people living in a school classroom – it’s shocking to see. We offer families a tent with their own space and dignity,” Mr Van Dyk said. “It’s mind-blowing how grateful they are and the amount of thanks we get.”
But Australia’s own economic downturn is curtailing the group’s ability to do good deeds not only in the Phillipines but elsewhere around the world.
Disaster Aid Australia has set a $1 million target for donations for survival packs to be used around the world – $800 packages that include a family-sized tent, cooking utensils, water containers, children’s books and pencils, and a stove.
Less than a week from the deadline, chief executive Jenni Heenan says they are nowhere near the target.
“It’s a sign of the times. I’ve spoken to other not-for-profit groups. They’re down 60 per cent on donations from the same time last year.
“However, we live in a lucky country. When we went to Pakistan [in 2010], 23 million people lost their homes. Imagine everyone in Australia losing their homes and all their belongings.”
Since June 2010, the agency and its Rotarian volunteers have handed out about 2000 survival packs in disaster-ravaged areas such as Sudan, Kenya, Pakistan and Haiti.
Each survival pack – what Ms Heenan calls “a box of hope” – means a lot in a disaster zone. The four-metre-diameter tents can be a family’s home for several years, such is the slow pace of recovery.
Last week, Mr Van Dyk, of Narre Warren, was on a 600-kilometre bike ride in country Victoria, hoping to raise $15,000 for the cause.
He said the agency thoroughly trained him for the worst conditions he was expected to face. “It’s not so emotionally gruelling for me. We get a great kick out of being able to help.”
To donate or volunteer, go to disasteraidaustralia.org.au or call Hans Van Dyk on 0428 123 124.
