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FUNDRAISING Ashlanders hope to help Vanuatu Some who spent time there in Peace Corps raising funds to help survivors Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Apr. 30, 2015 at 8:21 PM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Apr. 30, 2015 at 8:21 PM » Social News A group of Ashlanders is raising funds here for the storm-ravaged archipelago-nation of Vanuatu, devastated by Cyclone Pam on March 13. Two of them served there in the Peace Corps. Ginger Casto served 1996 to 1998 and Willow Denker from 2011 to 2013. Mike Evans was an English teacher there 1990 to 1998 and John Ivey was a disaster response director on site with SeaMercy, an Oregon nonprofit that brings free food and medical, dental and eye care to remote islands on their fleet of Floating Health Care Clinics.  Their first benefit here is a night of storytelling, videos and silent auction of crafts by Vanauatu artisans, set from 9 to 10 p.m. today, May 1, at Standing Stone Brewing Co., after the First Friday art walk. It’s sponsored by the Stone and Southern Oregon Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Cyclone Pam ravaged the South Pacific archipelago, which has about 180 islands, on March 13, destroying 90 percent of structures and killing 24 people. The category-5 storm brought winds up to 170 mph, which the government called the worst in memory. “We’re trying to bring awareness of the beauty of the country, the disaster, the urgent need for food, clean water, building materials and sanitation facilities,” said Denker. “The islands are so vulnerable because of their low elevation and the impacts of climate change. The money will go to their sustainability and to help them rebuild.” In news reports, Vanuatu President Baldwin Lonsdale said climate change is linked to an increase in storm severity, sea levels, winds and rain. The group members said the cyclone has wiped out roads and crippled logistics, leaving villagers with the task of rebuilding homes over the next several years. Large NGO’s (non-governmental organizations), they note, are slow to respond, but the Ashland members still have social networks in Vanuatu and can funnel money directly to SeaMercy. Sea Mercy uses satellite imagery to determine village population, ration volume and supply routes and then, said Ivey, sets up supply points for food, building supplies and clinics. Money also goes for seed stock, root cuttings for taro and yams, tools and garden supplies, he adds. “The cyclone was awful,” said Ivey. “It was heartbreaking. They were poor before, but now it’s just piles of rubble. The poor work in the resorts and only have broken-down vans to get there. There’s no running water or electricity. The storm tore all the leaves off the trees. It’s all brown, like a bomb went off, like a desert with sticks poking up.” However, said Evans, the native folk are known as the most kind and loving culture you’ll ever find and all the children are being taken care of by everyone. “We feel for the country,” Evans notes. “It’s hard for them to make their voices heard.” Denker says when she was there in the Peace Corps she helped with climate change adaptation, including preservation of food and use of wind power. “Almost every single community, school and village was damaged,” says Casto. “It’s all about logistics, to get things going again. We’ve all been there and have relationships going. We have channels to the people on the ground. Money is the main way we can help them.” John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Apr. 30, 2015 at 8:21 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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