Rizza is seventeen. She lives with her mom and two sisters in the community of Banaba, just outside Manila. Rizza's house is poorly constructed, and dangerously close to a riverbank. Rizza lives in constant fear of heavy rains which cause the river to quickly burst its banks. When this happens Rizza can easily become trapped by the rising water. Without a rescue boat to evacuate her Rizza could lose her life in a major flood.
The Philippines is one of the world's most disaster prone countries. In an average year it's affected by more than 20 typhoons, and that number is rising because of climate change. The community of Banaba is very flood prone and when rivers burst their banks its residents are often trapped by the quickly rising water.
Your donations to this project will provide a large fiber-glass rescue boat. These boats are crewed by local residents, trained in first aid and swift-water rescue. These crews jump into action during floods and help their neighbours who have become trapped. A large boat can hold twelve evacuees like Rizza. Your donations will meet Rizza's share of the total boat cost.
Your donations will keep Rizza and other evacuees safe during floods for years to come. Your donations will continue to protect Rizza from the worst impacts of disaster, even as climate change causes ever more frequent flooding.
