One week after pipe leaks resulted in multiple fatal explosions in Greater Kaohsiung, residents of 12 villages have yet to return to work and about 600 homes remain without electricity. Mass transit and other public services are gradually returning, but city officials say that a complete recovery will take months. Here are some ways to help with reconstruction:
Donate Money
Tomorrow night, Taiwanese celebrities perform in the second of two live telethons for Greater Kaohsiung. Expected guests include TV personality Hu Gua (胡瓜) and Mandopop singer Jam Hsiao (蕭敬騰), and all proceeds go to the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China. The show is scheduled for 8pm to midnight on cable channels TTV (台視), CTV (中視), FTV (民視) and PTS (公視).
Photo: Taipei Times
SOGO Department Stores Co is collecting cash donations at all of its eight Taiwan locations and will match the amount up to Aug. 12. All gifts are tax-deductible and go to United Way of Taiwan (中華社會福利聯合勸募協會) for reconstruction and relief in Greater Kaohsiung, said Yang Li-chi (楊麗琦) of SOGO’s Greater Kaohsiung store.
Donations to the Social Affairs Bureau (社會局) of the Greater Kaohsiung Government should be directed to the Bank of Kaohsiung (高雄銀行), account number 102103031319. For more information, contact Ms. Dai of the Greater Kaohsiung Government at (07) 812-4613 Ext. 472 or Ms. Chu at Ext. 478.
Volunteer
The Kaohsiung City and Penghu County Youth Volunteer Center (高澎青年志工中心) is registering volunteers who are certified first responders, professional clinical counselors, heavy-duty movers, construction workers, plumbers and electricians. As of press time, the center has an immediate need for volunteers with expertise in plumbing and electrical services. Other volunteers will be placed on standby. For more information, contact Ms. Chang or Ms. Huang at (07) 380-1370 and (07) 380-1371 (Chinese only).
Tzu Chi (慈濟) and the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China accept short-term volunteers for supplies unpacking, sorting and other tasks at service centers in Greater Kaohsiung. To sign up at Tzu Chi in Lingya (苓雅), contact Mr. Shen at (07) 536-7855 (Chinese only). Contact Ms. Chen at (02) 2362-8232 ext. 207 (Chinese and English) in Taipei to inquire about availability at Red Cross stations in Greater Kaohsiung.
Volunteers with registered non-governmental organizations are eligible for free transportation to Zuoying Station on the Taiwan High Speed Rail. Taipei residents should apply 24 hours in advance by calling (02) 4066-3000 (Chinese and English).
The Greater Kaohsiung Government currently has no need for additional supplies or volunteers, said social worker Chang Hsiu-hui (張秀惠) on Wednesday.
As part of the city’s reconstruction project, 500 temporary work placements will be offered to the worst-hit residents as paid employment. Blast victims and immediate family are eligible for paid employment at the Lingya District Office (苓雅區公所), the Cianjhen District Office (前鎮區公所) and the Greater Kaohsiung City Department of Health (衛生局) at NT$20,240/month for three months. Employment begins Aug. 11 at the earliest, primarily on reconstruction projects, and job applications are accepted at local career centers until Aug. 15. For more information, contact the Labor Affairs Bureau (勞工局) of the Greater Kaohsiung Government at (07) 812-4613 ext. 413 (Chinese and English).
Victims can also apply for free short-term housing rooms, legal consultation, psychological counseling, transportation subsidies, assistance with education and other relief from the Greater Kaohsiung Government. For a full list, visit kdir.kcg.gov.tw (Chinese only) or dial 1999 Ext. 4 for English information service.
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