Cyclone Freddy: How You Can Support Through Local Giving

Cyclone Freddy, one of the strongest and longest tropical storms ever recorded, has swept through Madagascar, Mozambique and Malawi. It first developed on February 4, 2023 and concluded on March 14, 2023. In its wake, over 500 deaths have been reported and the catastrophic destruction of infrastructure has displaced thousands of survivors, leaving many without basic necessities and medical attention. 

As a result of the storm, Malawi has been declared a state of disaster and is calling for urgent support.  

How You Can Support

Since many organizations are mobilizing relief efforts, choosing which one to support may seem like a tough choice. We’re cutting down your options significantly by encouraging you to donate to locally-led organizations. This means supporting organizations that are run by people who live within the communities they serve. 

In a world where less than 2% of humanitarian funding goes to local organizations, cutting through the middleman and giving aid directly to the people who need it is of utmost importance. Local organizations are always the first responders and they are best positioned to make an impact right away. 

We are fortunate enough to be in partnership with four incredible locally-led Malawian organizations,  ACADES, Chimpembere, Rays of Hope and Wandikweza, that are actively responding to this crisis. Keep scrolling for more information about their work and how you can donate directly to support their work in their communities.

Our Malawian Partners

ACADES

ACADES, based in Lilongwe, Malawi, is investing in thousands of young farmers, ensuring that they can sustain themselves with better access to markets, working capital, equipment, and productive skills. To support the communities affected by Cyclone Freddy, ACADES has made their 20-ton truck available at no cost to distribute relief items. They invite anyone who would like to transport items to reach out to them.

Phone: +265 995 55 97 91 or +265 995 08 08 93 | Email:  info@acadesmw.com | Website: acades.mw.com

Chipembere (CCDO)

Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO) is a youth-led organization based in Malawi’s Thyolo district. Their mission is to promote interventions that build the well-being of underprivileged women, children and youth through capacity development, advocacy and impact mitigation. They are seeking donations to provide immediate emergency relief assistance to Cyclone Freddy victims in Malawi. They aim to provide food, clothing, shelter, access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. They are also offering psychosocial support to those affected.

Phone: +265 884 33 32 11 or +265 993 24 62 11  | Email: info@ccdomalawi.org and ccdoboard.org@gmail.com  | Website: chipemberecdo.org

Rays of Hope

Rays of Hope, located in Blantyre, Malawi, is improving the learning outcomes of disadvantaged children by providing educational support and empowering teachers with hands-on technical skills. They improve learning outcomes in primary schools by equipping teachers with innovative pedagogical methods to create content-rich & creative lessons. 

Phone: +265 997 91 77 11  | Email: info@raysofhopemalawi.org | Website: raysofhopemalawi.org // Donate 

Wandikweza

Wandikweza, based in Madisi, Malawi, exists to provide healthcare closer to the people. Through community health workers, mobile clinics, Nurses on Bikes, and a dedicated health center, they are removing barriers and providing access to care from Malawians in remote areas. 

Phone: +265 980 84 44 04  | Email: wandikweza@uplifthealthmw.org | Website: www.wandikweza.org// Donate