19 November 2014 - To thank and recognize the leadership, outstanding generosity and quick action of the Canadian government, Canadian people and Filipino communities in Canada who responded in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver hosted a reception at its office on November 14.

The Canadian Red Cross(CRC) co-organized the event which was attended by Canadian government officials, Filipino community leaders, representatives from business establishments and CRC personnel who provided assistance and organized fund-raising activities for the victims of the typhoon.

Philippine Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer said, “While we remember the tragedy, we would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the government and the people of Canada for all the support and assistance you have extended – and continue to extend – to my country in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. We can never thank you enough for your support and solidarity with our people”.

CRC Director for B.C. & Yukon Kimberley Nemrava presented a Token of Appreciation to Consul General Ferrer for hosting the event and extending support to CRC and community organizations in facilitating fund-raising activities and relief efforts. Director Nemrava said  she was moved by the speed of the assistance extended by the Canadian people and Filipino communities.

During the event, CRC Chair for Western Canada Cassandra Consiglio provided a briefing on Canada’s assistance for the affected areas and victims of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan and how CRC utilized the fund raised by individuals and organizations across Canada.Canadian and British Columbia governments, individual and organization donors channeled about CAD $47 million donations to CRC for Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan response.

With the support from the Canadian government, the Canadian Red Cross responded within hours after the disaster struck by deploying a mobile field hospital which was set up in Ormoc, along with a team of disaster-response personnel to support medical needs of the local communities. The field hospital was handed over to Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in January along with the equipment and medical supplies.

“Sustainable recovery takes a lot of planning, community involvement and working with local government and community organizations”, Ms. Consiglio said.

CRC believes that an integrated approach that links reconstruction efforts with community-based programming is the only way communities can return to normal life. CRC mentioned that it will continue to assist the affected communities in the year to come by rebuilding and reconstructing houses, public infrastructure, and water and sanitation facilities. CRC will also provide immediate and longer-term livelihood support to generate income and improve pre-disaster living conditions. It will work with the Philippine Red Cross to create a more resilient and better prepared community.

Member of Parliament Andrew Saxton expressed great sense of pride for the selfless efforts of Canadian people in raising money for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan.

At the end of the program, the audience became emotional when the “Thank You World” song composed by Jim Paredes was played. END