ED Staff Nurse Anna Magpili organised a toy collection to benefit some of the children affected by the disaster.
She writes:
"Around this time last year, typhoon Haiyan and its aftermath captured the attention of the world. It made landfall in the Philippines on the 8th of November 2013 and caused catastrophic damage that killed more than 6,000 people, wiped out entire villages, displaced thousands of families and caused trauma to nearly 6 million children.
Nations all over the world joined hands and offered assistance in various forms to provide immediate aid to those who were affected. Because provision of basic needs was the utmost priority, food, clothing and medicines were immediately distributed to the victims.
Beyond provision of basic needs, it was also acknowledged that victims would require support for their psychological needs as a result of trauma.
The typhoon not only caused trauma to adults but to children as well. These are children whose homes have been destroyed, lost a family member/members, and witnessed death. And so along with relief goods, toys were also collected and included as part of recovery program because of their role in the healing process of young trauma victims.
Studies have shown that touching or hugging soft toys evokes a sense of comfort, security and belonging. At times, it is only through toys or playing with toys that help young trauma victims express what they truly feel or make sense of their experiences.
And it was around this time last year when my ED - Hutt Hospital family offered their support when I launched a toy drive campaign to bring pre-owned huggable teddy bears or stuffed toys to children who were affected by the devastation. Stuffed toys and teddy bears of different sizes, colours, shapes, cuteness and softness donated by staff from ED, MAPU and Radiology made their way into the big, brown box and so did lots of new soft stuffed toys (wombats) generously given by one of our ED charge nurses and The Tree Hutt founder, Stephanie Beddis.The outpouring of support was overwhelming that it only took two weeks to fill up the big, brown box placed in ED's staff room.
Through the help of my brother and his team, a boxful of soft huggable toys made its way to Tacloban, Philippines and hand delivered to some of the affected children. There were smile on everyone's faces as they watched children hug their toys, play with them and hold on to them with tenderness.
In behalf of my brother, Erick Magpili, and his team, I would like to thank you all for your support and kindness. Your kindness has reached wounds that only compassion can heal. Again, thank you for bringing joy to the children of Tacloban, Philippines."
