World Vision Ambassador Ogie Alcasid raises more than 100k for Odette-stricken families

DECEMBER 19 – World Vision Ambassador and singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid partners with World Vision in the Philippines for “Online Caroling for A Cause,” a fundraising Christmas concert aimed to help families and children affected by Typhoon Odette (internationally known as Rai).

Streamed live on Facebook, the event raked in almost 7,000 views and raised more than Php100,000 (USD 2,000). Alcasid performed a mix of his own compositions and classic Christmas and praise and worship songs.

The musician revealed that the online concert was originally meant to be a fundraiser for World Vision’s Noche Buena campaign. However, the widespread devastation brought by Typhoon Odette in Visayas and Mindanao prompted him to dedicate the concert to World Vision’s typhoon response instead.

“Through your support, we can extend help to the families affected by the typhoon. We would like to ask for your help,” Alcasid said.

The onslaught of Typhoon Odette has left at least 3,738 damaged houses and displaced 123,522 families or 488,463 individuals, including children. Massive damage to power and communication lines, trees, and water pipes has also caused electricity, communication, and water shortages.

In response to the destruction of Typhoon Odette, World Vision has deployed teams to assess the most basic needs of some of the worst hit communities. The organization has prepositioned hygiene kits, non-food items, shelter kits and protection items for distribution. Psychosocial first aid, cash-based programming, and COVID-19 initiatives may also be implemented depending on the needs of the communities.

“For World Vision, we are accepting donations in cash and in kind in various platforms. We are so humbled that even online platforms like Lazada, Shoppee, and other groups have signified interest in helping us as well,” said Genesis Jeff Lamigo, World Vision Communications Manager in the Philippines, in an interview with CNN Philippines.

“It’s been an honor for me to do this stream in cooperation with World Vision,” Alcasid shared. “When we combine our resources, it will multiply by the grace of God.”

World Vision supports more than 11,000 families in the provinces of Leyte, Samar, Bohol, Cebu and Negros.