Canadians Send Aid To Philippines

Rescue efforts are underway following a massive flood in the Philippines.

Typhoon Ketsana hit Manila and surrounding provinces on Saturday, dumping 410 millimetres of rain on the northern provinces in just 24 hours.

At least 240 people are dead and tens of thousands more were displaced.

The worst might not be over yet: official are warning that two more storms are brewing in the Pacific Ocean, and could hit by Friday.

The threat of another storm could complicate relief efforts, but it shows no sign of slowing down one Canadian organization.

Global Medic will soon be heading out to the disaster, providing clean water and other care to affected people.

“We always talk about the secondary catastrophe,” paramedic Rahul Singh outlined on Tuesday.

“You know, for example, in an earthquake, people are killed. But if you don’t get folks clean water, that death toll will increase tenfold.

“So if we don’t prevent the second catastrophe from occurring, then this flood is really a bad incident.”

Global Medic was in the Philippines in 2006 following Typhoon Durian.

This time, they’re bringing six water purifiers with them.

“The units will provide over 100,000 people with clean drinking water every day,” noted Wes Normington of Global Medic.

“We’ll also be sending water purification tablets.”

Meanwhile, Liberal MP Jim Karygiannis has a new idea for a fundraiser: he wants the federal government to match donations given by residents in his riding – dollar for dollar.

There are over 1500 homes in the Scarborough-Agincourt riding with family in the Philippines.

Donate non-perishable foods
Our Lady of Assumption Church
2565 Bathurst St (north of Eglinton Avenue)

Donate cash: Archdiocese Filipino Catholic Mission
CIBC
Account Name: AFCM
Transit Number: 7012
Account Number: 56-24010

For more information: Philippine Independence Day Council

Message From Mayor David Miller

On behalf of all Torontonians, I extend deepest condolences and sympathies to all Filipino-Canadians and especially those with family and friends in the areas devastated by Tropical Storm Ketsana and the subsequent flooding this past weekend.
 
At more than 100,000 strong, the Filipino community is one of the largest and most active in Toronto so when tragedies like this occur, it reverberates through every neighbourhood in the city.
 
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this horrific natural disaster.
 
I have contacted the Philippine Consulate to determine how Torontonians can best assist. In the meantime, I am suggesting anyone wishing to make immediate donations to relief efforts do so through the Red Cross at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.