UW Tacoma Students Hold Vigil for Philippines

TACOMA, WASH. — The effects of Typhoon Haiyan (known in the Philippines as Typhoon Yolanda)—the enormous storm that struck the Philippines in the days after Nov. 8, killing thousands, wounding hundreds of thousands and displacing millions—have made an impact close to home for many people with connections to the Philippines in the South Sound Region, including University of Washington Tacoma students.

In response, UW Tacoma students will host an evening gathering and candle-light vigil for students, faculty, staff and the larger community. Beyond just recognizing the tragic devastation caused by the storm, the evening is intended as a way for the UW Tacoma family to find out how to get involved with relief efforts, and to share stories about the impact of Typhoon Haiyan and other natural disasters. The students are calling their effort Project Ignite, and hope that the example they set of a bootstrapped local response to global events will inspire similar efforts at colleges and universities throughout the state and nation.

The event is set for the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 20. The candlelight vigil itself will be at 8 p.m. in Commerce Plaza, and will be preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a gathering in William Philip Hall providing an education on disasters and relief efforts worldwide.

Students will be collecting tangible items such as clothing, medicines and water during the week of Nov. 18-22, from 9a.m. -7 p.m. at three locations on campus: Commerce Plaza, MAT 103 and the OUWtpost. Students and others can sign up to assist in packaging items for shipment to the Philippines during these same hours at the same campus locations.

What: Project Ignite – Candlelight Vigil for Philippines
When: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, 8 p.m. Informational program at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Commerce Street Plaza, UW Tacoma campus; 6:30 p.m. program at William Philip Hall