Typhoon Rai (Odette) lashed out the Visayas, part of Mindanao and other provinces in the Philippines recently. This caused a massive destruction of homes, infrastructure, crops and means of livelihood of thousands of people.
In the spirit of Bayanihan and a show of solidarity, the Filipino-Australian community and a number of multicultural community organisations, small businesses and a church based in Sydney and Young NSW launched their appeal for cash assistance for the survivors of Typhoon Rai (Odette).
In a report prepared by Dr Cen Amores, current President of the Auburn Small Community Organisation Network (ASCON) Inc and Chairperson of the Multicultural Assistance Task Force, it was stated that a total of $4500 was raised as of the middle of January 2022 through the combined efforts of the following:
Kapit-bahayan Cooperative Ltd and Members $1015
Young and Districts Multicultural Association Inc $765
NARRA Cooperative Ltd $430
Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc $395
Auburn Small Community Organisation Network (ASCON) Inc $300
Multicultural Assistance Task Force $300
The Devotees of Sto Nino Association of Sydney $260
Grace Church $200
St Louis University Alumni Association Australia $170
Filipiniana Dance Group $100
Fil-Oz Liverpool and Districts $100
Astola Pty Ltd $100
Priscilla Siason $100
Villoni Dobsen Pty Ltd $50
Honey Wong $50
TOTAL $4,500
The cash and other assistance was sent to the survivors of Typhoon Rai (Odette) in Cebu, Davao, Caubian Island of Lapu Lapu City, Palawan and Surigao through church and community leaders who are known and connected with the groups here in Sydney.
Due to the extensive damage inflicted by Typhoon Odette to the victims, the appeal for assistance is still ongoing. Meanwhile, the second wave of donations comprising boxes of assorted non-perishable goods are being prepared for shipment by the end of January, to supplement the cash donations.
When asked why Dr Cen never stops initiating humanitarian activities especially in times of crises, she simply said,” While still able, I will keep on doing what I love doing because helping people in need is a privilege, not a burden”.
The success of the fundraising was made possible by several people behind the scene who helped in promoting and responding to the fundraising appeal; these include Albert Prias of FLAGCOM and NARRA who prepared the flyer and promoted the appeal to his groups.