The Filipino community in Sydney were together once again in tragedy and has rallied to assist the victims of typhoon Sendong in Northern Mindanao which has left 3,000 dead and more than 20,000 people homeless.
Already, more than A$22,000 in donations have poured in and have been remitted via various organizations as well as 219 boxes of goods have been collected and dispatched.
The Philippine Community Council of NSW (PCC-NSW) the peak organization in Sydney remitted A$7,166 through Rotary Club Philippines . The total amount handed over included donations from PCC’s PADER program funds ($4,500) ; Hot Mamaz ($900); Rotary of Blacktown ($300) and individuals.
The Filipino Australian Movement for Empowerment (FAME) has donated $1,000 and the Marikina Association of Sydney Australia (MASA) raked in $540.00 in donations. Banag-Banag sent $280.00 each to CDO and to Samahang Magdalo; Iliganos donated A$500.00 and Kristohanong Katilingban sent A$2,000.
Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities were most affected when Sendong wreaked havoc leaving towns and cities completely devastated. Venus Priest of Iligan had as many as 14 of her relatives washed away.
A total of 219 boxes of the much-needed goods were collected and dispatched via LBC. Donations of goods were also sent: Iliganon & Lanaonon in Sydney Australia (ILISA) sent 56 boxes to NHT and 10 boxes to MSU and IIT); 60 boxes through Enrico Lluch; Tapok Kagay-anon Sydney sent 39 boxes; Railcorp Sydney & Friends sent 29 boxes to Xavier University and Palulang Elementary School; Filipino Club Australia (15 boxes); Visayan Association (10 boxes) and Ave Maria Choir r of Brighton.
Philippine Consul General Anne Jalondo-on Louis gathered the community for prayers and a mass for the victims last 27 December at the Philippine Consulate Sydney.
The PCC-NSW has also spearheaded a Charity Concert dubbed as “Bukas Palad Appeal” scheduled for 1:00pm on Sunday, 5 February 2012 at Bowman Hall, Blacktown. Headed by showbiz veterans Lillian de los Reyes and Rod Dingle the concert will also include a string of musicians and entertainers who have pledged to lend their talents for the cause.
Tickets to the charity concert are at $15.00 and proceeds will go towards the rehabilitation of the Sendong victims. For more information contact: Marivic on 0402 354 853; Millie on 0403 021 358; or Sol on 0422 451 642.
