In recent months, a series of natural disasters have struck communities across the world, resulting in a tremendous amount of damage to infrastructure and housing, great loss of life, environmental damage, and more. 

Natural disasters and extreme weather
Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean and Florida, and record levels of flooding in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan are just several examples of the disasters transpiring across the globe. Effects of these natural disasters are predicted to be felt for years to come: Houston has estimated US$180 billion in repairs, Irma has dissolved over 90 percent of infrastructure on the Caribbean islands of Barbuda, St. Martin, and Antigua, and, in addition, over 1,400 deaths have occurred in South Asia due to the worst flooding since 1988.

As members of the international community, many SAS students and families have ties to affected areas and have expressed a desire to help in some way. 

Help for high waters
In order to coordinate an SAS fundraising effort, high school Executive Service Council (ESC) and interested volunteers have created an inclusive schoolwide campaign entitled, Help for High Water - Relief, Rebuild, Recover, to raise awareness and funds for victims of these three disasters—with fundraising directed towards affected communities in South Asia. The goal is to raise S$75,000 over a four-week period, from September 18 through October 13, 2017.

The primary beneficiary of the Help for High Water Campaign is Goonj, a multi-award winning non-profit that has developed a disaster relief fund in response to the record-breaking flooding. They focus on empowerment and sustainability in the face of conflict, and their reach spans a vast number of villages and cities in India. 

ESC is also considering supporting a second non-profit working in Bangladesh, but details have yet to be confirmed. Materials such as clothing, toiletries, and books will also be collected for the aforementioned non-profits. 

In addition to fundraising, multiple initiatives throughout the high school, middle school, and elementary school will focus on outreach to the victims of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey through letters—both English and Spanish. 

A focus on the connection between the recent natural disasters and climate change will also be central to the initiative, engaging students in research and advocacy for the aforementioned matters. 

What can you do?
There are a number of planned initiatives to be launched over the course of the next few weeks throughout all divisions of SAS, with plenty of opportunities for community involvement. More details will become available through SAS’s social media networks over next few days, so keep your eyes peeled for ways to get involved!

A fundraising meter will be installed outside of the central administration offices to track progress towards our community’s goal of S$75,000. If you are interested in supporting SAS students and faculty in this endeavor, please visit our website or donate in one of the red “SAS Service Council” boxes placed in offices across the school.