20 December 2013 - Filipinos from the Wellington Greater Area appealed to fellow Filipinos and New Zealanders alike to support the Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) Philippine Appeal which consisted of a simultaneous Street Appeal in Wellington, Lower Hutt and Porirua on November 21 and a special concert at the Wellington’s Civic Square on November 23 to raise funds for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. The Typhoon Yolanda Philippine Appeal was spearheaded by the Federation of Filipino Associations, Societies and Clubs in New Zealand Inc. (FFASCNZ Inc.) in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community in New Zealand, Filipino organizations, individuals and community groups in the Wellington area.
The simultaneous Street Appeal garnered a total of NZ$55,383.80 (approximately US$ 45,365.12) during the simultaneous Street Appeal and NZ$3,562.60 (approximately US$ 2,918.14) during the open concert at the Wellington Civic Square, according to the official count of Westpac NZ. New Zealanders, foreigners and the public generously gave from their pockets and shared graciously from their hearts. All funds raised were donated equally among the Red Cross, UNICEF and Caritas on December 04.
Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez and Consul Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa witnessed the presentation of a check worth NZ$19,694.48 (approximately US$ 16,135.39) by Secretary of the Federation Ms. Rolyn Demafiles to the New Zealand Red Cross. The check was presented to Mr. Andrew McKie, National Operations Manager, and Ms. Jill Ford, Fundraising Manager, of New Zealand Red Cross. Ambassador Benavidez thanked Mr. McKie and Ms. Ford for the New Zealand Red Cross’ continuing efforts and assistance for those affected by Typhoon Yolanda.
Ms. Ford said that the New Zealand Red Cross’s Appeal for the Philippines to support relief following the devastating of Typhoon Yolanda and the earthquakes that hit the Central Philippines has garnered NZ$1.5 million (approximately US$ 1.2 million) as of December 04. She informed Ambassador Benavidez that New Zealand Red Cross has three aid workers in the Philippines helping to establish vital telecommunications links for the International Federation of Red Cross’ (IFRC) massive relief effort to support survivors of Typhoon Yolanda. Mr. Mike Carson from Wanganui, Thomas McNally from Auckland and Ewan Coldicott from Wellington have taken one tonne of IT and telecommunications equipment with them, including HF and VHF radios, satellite communications and also equipment to set up computer networks. Ms. Ford also informed the Ambassador that the New Zealand Red Cross will be helping communities in Central Philippines to rebuild their lives over the next three to four years.
To donate to the New Zealand Red Cross appeal for the Philippines, go to: https://www.redcross.org.nz/. END
