Taking care of the female victims of Haiyan

Filipina in Abu Dhabi asks for new lingerie and toiletries for typhoon victims

A Filipina in Abu Dhabi is rallying for a cause that would provide for the needs of female victims of super typhoon Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Yolanda.

Dubbed ‘Raising Yolly’, Emilie Pangilinan has created the concept for the ‘movement’ and has been passing on the message by mouth and e-flyers, and sharing the initiative on Facebook.

In her Facebook post, she wrote: “We are asking for donations for the feminine needs such as new lingerie and toiletries.”

According to the businesswoman and a mother, she was inspired to undertake the cause as women, specifically mothers, are often too busy looking after their family that they would not care much about their personal needs.

“We know that there were relief goods and clothing coming their way, but women have specific needs that are often neglected,” said Pangilinan, who is also the managing director of MindMill Ideation Co.

“In the Philippines, women are so focused on their family’s welfare especially in situations like this, that they would not even think about their own needs and only later will realise that they have nothing to wear or use,” she added.

Many kind-hearted individuals have already responded to her call and have shown interest to help out.

“Many mums are already helping me to spread the word and I am grateful to them,” Pangilinan said.

LBC Cargo, which is currently collecting in-kind donations for the typhoon victims, has allocated four boxes for her to fill by November 25. The ‘Raising Yolly’ boxes will be sent to the Philippine National Red Cross for distribution to the affected regions.

Those interested to donate can call 026766198.

Over 11 million Filipinos were afflicted when typhoon Haiyan, considered to be the worst natural disaster ever recorded in the country, battered central Philippines on November 8. The United Nations estimates that over four million were displaced needing shelter, food and water. Official tally puts the death toll at 3,976 and 1,602 people missing.

olivia@khaleejtimes.com