EDMONTON – The city’s Filipino community is doing its part to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which has devastated the Philippines.
As many as 10,000 people are believed dead in one Philippine city alone after one of the worst storms ever recorded unleashed ferocious winds and giant waves that washed away homes and schools.
Four days after the deadly storm hit, bodies still lie in the streets, power and communications have been severed in some areas, and many people are still in need of food, clean drinking water, and other essentials.
Read more: Canadian charity works to help Typhoon Haiyan victims
Members of Edmonton’s Filipino community are trying to help by collecting donations of toiletries, clothes, food and money.
“Anything – you name it, they need it,” said community services leader, Lyla Gray. “The stores are closed, there’s nothing to sell, there’s nothing to buy.
Gray said the images she’s seen from her home country over the weekend brought her to tears.
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Those like Erlinda Tan – with loved ones in the Phillipines – have been anxiously awaiting news from their family.
After three days of no communication, Tan finally received a text message from her brother on Monday that he was alive.
It’s the kind of news Pastor Ronald Yabut and his congregation at the Edmonton Filipino Seventh-Day Adventist Church have been praying for.
He says he is planning a special candlelight service for victims of Typhoon Haiyan this Saturday.
For those who wish to help with relief efforts, church leaders suggest donating money to The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).
Anyone who would like to donate cash, clothes, food, or toiletries to the relief efforts organized by the Edmonton Filipino Seventh-Day Adventist Church is asked to contact Lyla Gray at lylagray1019@hotmail.com.
“We want to share. That’s the least we can do,” said Ben Barboza, Head Elder of the Church. “Because we are here – thousands of thousands of miles away. We can help through donations, prayers and comforts.”
Canadians wishing to help those affected by this storm can also make a financial donation online at redcross.ca/typhoon, or at their local Red Cross office or by calling 1-800-418-1111.
Global News‘ parent company, Shaw, is offering its support for those concerned about loved ones in the Philippines, as well. Effective immediately, Shaw Cable has made two Filipino channels available to its customers: TFC on Channel 509 and FTV on Channel 510. Long distance calls to land lines in the Philippines are also being offered to all Shaw phone customers at no cost.
With files from Laurel Gregory and The Associated Press
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