The Filipino community at GBC has come together to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan by asking students to donate to receive a “ribbon of love”. Photo by Tina Todaro/The Dialog
A dollar a day keeps the hunger away – and that’s all it takes to get a ‘ribbon of love’ for the relief effort on the destructive Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Student Association (SA) and Stacey Mauger from George Brown College’s (GBC) career services have grasped this concept, as they work together to raise money for the typhoon relief.
Having been heavily involved in last year’s relief efforts for the flood in the Philippines, Mauger says she feels really connected to this cause. Known as the “Honorary Filipina” amongst the Filipino community at GBC, she has worked hard to come up with the idea of a “ribbon of love,” as well as their creation and promotion.
Early November’s devastating tropical cyclone destroyed everything from homes to lives. According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council the typhoon has left almost four million people displaced among 16 million affected. As of Dec. 13, the official death toll had climbed up to 6,009 with 27,022 injured and 1,779 still missing.
The Government of Canada, in an effort to help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan, donated $35 million through various registered charities.
Susana Cruz, a financial aid advisor at GBC, knows all about the struggles in the Philippines. She is back to the Philippines with her sister this month to visit their family, who were directly affected by the devastating effects and aftermath of the typhoon.
One of the strongest storms recorded, Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda as it is known locally, sustained winds over 300 kilometres per hour according to Jeff Masters, director of meteorology at Weather Underground in Scientific American. Having family in Manila and in Barangay Callanong Pinamopoan, Capoocan Leyte, regions that were directly hit by the strong winds and powerful rain, Cruz is extremely worried as people’s houses were destroyed and many were unable to get to the relief centres.
“The only thing is everyone is hungry and there is no food and no electricity, and they still do not have any connection,” said Cruz of the typhoon aftermath. “Since the typhoon occurred they have only received relief goods.”
One Canadian dollar translates to 41 pesos in the Philippines. “One dollar, or 41 pesos can buy one can of corned beef in the Philippines which is great for breakfast,” says Ely Franco and Cecilia Marquez, who are both part of GBC’s Filipino community.
Relief efforts continue amongst GBC; the Canadian Red Cross; Mauger, the Filipino community; and the SA are encouraging students to donate for the cause. It doesn’t take much to make a difference, so donate a dollar or two to the typhoon relief and show your love with the ribbon of love.
Ribbons are available at Student Association offices, career centres, and welcome desks at GBC campuses.
