ABOVE: Support Grows For Philippines Typhoon Victims. Jennifer Palisoc reports.
Aid is starting to reach the Philippines, but resources do not seem to be going where they are needed most.
It is estimated about 2,500 people have been killed in what could be the country’s deadliest disaster.
Filipinos across Canada are rallying to help people in their country.
The Canadian government has pledged up to $5 million to help humanitarian organizations.
“In addition to the support announced today, Canada has provided support through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to provide immediate assistance to those affected by Typhoon Haiyan,” said Minister Christian Paradis.
You can donate to the Red Cross online, you can donate at your local Red Cross office or by calling 1-800-418-1111. Please earmark donations “Typhoon Haiyan.”
The federal government will be matching all donations made to registered Canadian charities, including the Red Cross and:
Unicef: 1-877-955-3111. You can also text to donate. Text GIVE to 45678 to donate $10.
Global Medic: 416-916-0522
Toronto mayor Rob Ford called on residents of the city to donate to the Red Cross efforts.
“I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the people of the Philippines,” he said. “When tragedies like this occur, it is felt right across this entire city.”
He encouraged Torontonians to donate, noting that the federal government is matching the donations dollar-for-dollar. Ford said he is making a $500 donation.
Donations can also be made to Doctors Without Borders and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
The United Nations World Food Programme is mobilizing food supplies and using its logistics expertise to try to reach hundreds of thousands of people in desperate need. They are seeking a total of US$83 million to provide food, logistics, and emergency telecommunications assistance. You can donate to the World Food Programme online by going to their website, or by texting RELIEF NOW to 45678 to donate $10 to families in need.
Emergency Response Team Search & Rescue Canada is raising money to deploy teams to the Philippines to help. To donate and help them achieve their goal, go to their website.
Google has also set up a Crisis Response Centre to help people find loved ones.
Locally, groups in Vancouver have been rallying to help those affected by the deadly storm.
One of the largest fundraisers being organized is in Surrey, with a fundraiser at the Grand Taj Banquet Hall this Thursday night.
There has also been a Facebook group set up for donations called the ‘Typhoon Fundraising Relief Effort‘ through Reyfort Media.
A community ‘Web-A-Thon’ has started in Surrey, with more than $11,000 raised so far for the Red Cross.
A doctor from Vancouver is also in the Philippines to work with the Red Cross.
The Saskatchewan government will also provide $250,000 to aid victims of Typhoon Haiyan.
Shaw Communications is donating $50,000 to the Canadian Red Cross, and will match employee donations at a one-to-one ratio. In addition, Shaw Cable has made Filipino channels GMA Pinoy (channel 507), The Filipino Channel (TFC) (channel 509), and Filipino TV (FTV) (channel 510) available to all Shaw customers with no subscription or action needed. Long distance calls to land lines in the Philippines are also being offered to all Shaw phone customers at no cost. Shaw is the parent company of Global News.
Do you know of a fundraiser being held to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan? If you do, let us know in the comments.
Do you have family members in the Philippines? Have you been able to contact them?
We will be updating this post as we hear more as well.
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