WINNIPEG — Tens of thousands of Filipinos live in Winnipeg and they watched closely as one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded tore through the central Philippines on Friday.
Villages in the typhoon’s path have been evacuated, forcing thousands out of their homes. Typhoon Haiyan’s speed at landfall was more than 200 kilometres per hour.
The country is still recovering from a devastating earthquake in October.
“The earthquake just happened and we’re still building up there,” Gilbert Balagtas, a local Filipino man, told Global News.
Members of four Filipino community groups in Winnipeg met Thursday to discuss raising funds to send to the Philippines to help rebuild after the October earthquake that claimed 200 lives and tens of thousands of homes.
“Every five minutes I’m on the computer. I’ve been texting with my sister,” said Aida Champagne.
“We have not recovered yet from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and this is very unfortunate for our motherland right now,” said Champagne. “I am appealing to the Filipino community to join forces and join hands and give a little because every little thing counts.”
The group is holding a social on Nov. 29 at the Filipino Seniors Hall at 49 Euclid Ave. Donations can be made by calling Champagne at 204-960-3580 or emailing her at info@filipinostreetfestival.ca.
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