Canadian Co-operative Association

Published purpose

Typhoon Haiyan (also known as Yolanda) struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013, and was one of the worst storms in recorded history. Almost 15 million people were impacted and over 6,000 died. An estimated one million people were pushed into poverty. While victims received humanitarian relief (including from Canada) in the immediate aftermath, the Government of the Philippines has identified ongoing needs for economic reconstruction and the restoration of lost assets and livelihoods. With Canada’s support, the Canadian Cooperative Association (CCA) is advancing long-term economic recovery for 1600 micro-entrepreneurs and their families in Eastern Samar and Leyte provinces, and reducing disaster-related risks for individuals and micro-businesses more broadly. Project activities include: (1) re-establishing and improving small community convenience stores (sari-sari stores), which were badly damaged by the typhoon, and are an important source of income for women; and (2) introducing new micro-insurance products in the Philippines. CCA is working with Filipino partner organizations RIMANSI, CARD Inc., and Microventures Foundation to implement this project. Funding for this project is sourced from the Government of Canada's $85.6 million Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund, which matched donations by Canadians in response to the typhoon.