The devastating storm hit the Philippines in 2013, killing more than 6,300 people and displacing about 750,000 more. In the hardest hit areas, more than 80 percent of all buildings were destroyed, and the financial losses for the country were in the billions.

Embracing the World activated relief teams based out of Manila, Japan and Singapore and donated $1 million to help those affected. The funds went to reconstructing schools, building community centers and providing scholarships to 530 children who were victims of the storm. The focus was on children who lost one or more parents. Five years later, 480 of those students were able to celebrate their graduation from high school.