SASKATOON – The devastating typhoon that hit the Philippines last week has left the country in dire need of help.
Originally from the Philippines, Isagani Fabi has lived in Saskatoon for four years.
Typhoon Haiyan hit close to home for Fabi. He used to live in one of the hardest hit cities, Tacloban.
With no communication in the first 72 hours, he didn’t know where his parents were.
“On the third day I was relieved to find out through information from my relatives in there that they were safe and have access to food and water,” said Fabi.
“So it was a relief but some of the friends I know some of the neighbors I know were not as lucky as them.”
Exact numbers are still unclear but the death toll is estimated to be nearly 10,000.
FULL COVERAGE: Typhoon Haiyan
The federal government has sent it’s Disaster Assistance Response Team, committed $5 million and will match every dollar Canadians donate to registered charities until Dec. 9.
The Government of Saskatchewan has also committed $250,000 to relief efforts.
“A third of our newcomers into this province in the last four or five years are from the Philippines, there is a warm bond of affection between the province of Saskatchewan and the Philippines,” said Premier Brad Wall.
About 7,000 Filipinos live in Saskatoon, many of whom still have family back there.
“The association met last night, we’ve put some fundraising plans in place. We are having a Lugaw Breakfast and a Steak night,” said Mike San Miguel, Filipino Canadian Association of Saskatoon president.
“Our office has been busy ever since we opened this morning, people have been coming in making financial donations so we certainly expect there will be a really strong response from the community,” said Richard Kies, Canadian Red Cross Saskatoon lead provincial development manager.
For more information on local fundraisers, you can visit the Filipino-Canadian Association of Saskatoon online. The Red Cross is also accepting donations.
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