On September 30th, Samoa, Tonga and American Samoa were hit by an earthquake and subsequent tsunami, leaving an estimated 150 dead and 1,000 homes destroyed.

Last week, the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Ketsana, leaving 3,000 people dead and 380,000 homeless.

If officials or staff from any union would like to assist either of these emergencies by holding a small office collection or making personal donations, Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA would be happy to receive those donations and send them to:-

Samoa:  Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA is negotiating to combine with the NZ Council of Trade Unions to raise funds for any relatives or extended family of union members who suffered loss in the tsunami.  We will work closely with the Samoa Trade Union Congress as to their priority needs and where they recommend the funds be used.  We do not expect to raise enough to rebuild houses, but there should be enough to assist with funeral expenses or to purchase cooking utensils, clothing or medicines for the victims.

Philippines:  Our long-term partner, the Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD) works with families living on Manila’s garbage dump, who survive by separating recyclable materials such as glass, aluminium cans, etc, and selling it.  For many of these families, their makeshift homes were completely destroyed in the typhoon. IOHSAD can ensure that your donations are used to purchase any needed medicine for these families.

To make a donation, please contact Jenny at Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA on (02) 9264 9343 or by email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA  Level 3,  377 Sussex Street, Sydney  NSW  2000    ABN 76 425 451 089

Phone: (02) 9264.9343  Fax (02) 9261.1118  www.apheda.org.au