Various events around the Comox Valley continue to generate funds for disaster relief in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.
• A Taste of the Philippines held at the Native Sons Hall raised $28,000, which will be matched by the federal government. The amount includes the gala event and online donations.
Event organizer Edwin Betinol said the evening was an "amazing success. It was way beyond anything we could have imagined," he said.
• The Yiamas Greek Taverna in Courtenay held a dinner Nov. 21 that generated $2,300, which will be matched by the Canadian Red Cross. Staff members donated wages and tips. Dr. Rudy Sanchez of Marigold Natural Pharmacy donated his 50/50 winnings. Nearly 100 attendees made the event a fun way to offer support.
• A cheque for $4,293.70 is on its way to the Red Cross thanks to the generosity of residents at the Berwick retirement home in Comox.
“We have five staff members with family and friends in the Philippines, so a tragedy of this magnitude can hit pretty close to home,” says community relations manager Linda Rutherford.
Rather than asking for money, Berwick staff organized a fund-raising week of activities to engage residents, including Toonie Tuesday and a 50/50 draw.
• As previously reported, the Georgia Straight Jazz Society raised $3,334 at a marathon music event at the Avalanche Bar & Grill.
• The Coastal Community Credit Union has also been accepting donations.
The federal government has pledged to match donations made from Nov. 8 to Dec. 9 to charitable organizations supporting typhoon relief efforts.
The early-November typhoon killed at least 5,000 people, though some Filipino officials say the death toll could reach 10,000.
It was the second disaster in as many months in the Philippines. A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the island of Bohol in the central part of the country Oct. 15. More than 200 people were killed.