Dear GK Bayani,

Our prayers go out to all of our GK heroes and GK residents, especially those who were also victims of the recent devastation brought about by Typhoon Ondoy. Despite the sad news that we see and hear all around us, we are overwhelmed by the many stories of heroism. GK volunteers continue to give of their time, even if their own families are also in need. GK communities have served as refugee centers for other communities that do not have the benefit and protection of a sturdy home. And our GK residents have helped one another pull through one of the most challenging disasters in their life.

These stories inspire us and fuel our conviction that this tragedy can become another opportunity to show our solidarity and true people power on the ground.

In response to the massive disaster wrought by Typhoon Ondoy in Metro Manila and other nearby provinces, Gawad Kalinga is launching Operation GK Walang Iwanan, a campaign for relief, clean up and rehabilitation work in affected areas, especially the poorest communities. GK Villages will serve as command centers to serve neighboring areas in need.

The initial list that we have identified are as follows :
1. GK Camacho, Marikina (Bodoy 0917-888-8276)
2. GK Tatalon, Quezon City (Bobby 0918-906-9075)
3. GK Brookside, Quezon City (Rabbi 0906-462-7232)
4. GK Sitio Ruby, Quezon City (Benjie 0906-286-4447)
5. GK Sitio Pajo, Quezon City (Mar 0919-208-8784)
6. GK Selecta, Cainta (Dolphy 0928-604-4632)
7. GK Caliuag, Pasig City (Ryan 0922-859-6453)
8. GK Pinagsama, Taguig City (Raul 0919-229-1416)
9. GK PBA, Pateros City (Cesar 0905-235-7929)

I am appealing to all of you to help us bring concrete hope to these flood victims and their families by:

1. Donating any ready-to-eat food (boiled eggs, sandwiches, cooked rice, sardines, etc), food packs (canned goods, rice, instant mami, noodles, bread) and bottled water. Clothes, blankets and sleeping mats are also urgently needed. Relief goods that need repacking may be brought to Operation GK Walang Iwanan Headquarters at RFM Gym along Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City. Contact person is Raul Dizon 0917-888-8109.

You may also give packed relief goods directly to any of the command centers near you.

2. Donating cash. This will allow us to buy urgently needed food packs, goods and medicines that each community needs. The website should provide you with all the information that you need.

Most importantly, I would like each and every GK volunteer to serve in our headquarters for repacking of relief goods, or in a command center near you to help in the clean up and rehabilitation work for the flood victims. Aside from material needs, the families need our love and presence. This is our way of showing them that we are here, and we will not leave them behind.

The two week campaign will lead up to a simple but meaningful thanksgiving celebration during the GK Expo on October 10, 2009. This will be the biggest gathering of Filipino heroes who truly care for our country and our fellowmen.

We hope that you can join us as we rebuild and restore hope. Let us celebrate the Filipino spirit of bayanihan and rise above this tragedy the GK Way!

Walang Iwanan! Mabuhay ka Bayani!

Luis O.