As the year came to an end, 1199SEIU leaders continued their appeal to members to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Haiyan, also known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, struck the island nation in early November.

It is the deadliest Philippine typhoon on record, killing at least 6,155 people and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. Haiyan is also the strongest storm recorded at landfall, and unofficially the strongest typhoon ever recorded.

Directly after the tragedy, 1199SEIU launched a recovery and relief campaign, and began working with our partner organizations to get emergency supplies where they are most needed.

The Union’s Executive Council voted to match members’ contributions. At year’s end, contributions totaled just over $82,000, including more than $17,000 donated through the online PayPal accounted started on November 10.

A major member contributors is Elinor Grumet, a librarian at Yeshiva University in the Bronx. “What happened was horrific,” Grumet says. “I felt that the need was so great, that I had to do something.”

Grumet says that she realized that many organizations and individuals began relief efforts. “I chose to give through the Union because I know that our leaders will get assistance to where it’s needed most,” she says. “I also was influenced by the match. I knew that whatever I gave would be doubled.”

As part of its campaign, the Union has run a radio ad in which 1199SEIU President George Gresham puts the tragedy in a broader context. He urges members to “Only vote for leaders who have the backbone to address the root cause of climate change.”

Contributions are still needed. Please make checks payable to the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East / Philippines Relief Fund, and mail to:

1199SEIU, attention Gina Miller:

310 W. 43rd Street - 5th Floor

NY, NY 10036

Or you may use PayPal by clicking the donate link below.