Vaughan Donates $10,000 to Philippines for Disaster Relief from Mayor's Gala Proceeds
Nov. 13, 2013
Vaughan is donating $10,000 to the Filipino Canadian Charitable Association of Vaughan – Haiyan Typhoon Fund from proceeds from the Mayor’s Gala. On Friday, Nov. 8, the Philippines was struck by one of the strongest storms in recorded history that caused widespread damage, including landslides and flooding. More than 10,000 people are feared dead and more than half a million have been left homeless.
“On behalf of the City of Vaughan I want to expresses my deepest sympathies and condolences to the Filipino community and in particular those who have been so tragically impacted by this disaster,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, who visited with the Filipino Seniors Association of Vaughan the evening Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines. “In times of crisis we are reminded that when tragedy strikes one of us, it strikes us all. It is in this spirit of empathy that I have made a donation on behalf of the City, from the annual Mayor’s Gala for relief efforts in the Philippines. Filipino-Canadians are an important part of our community and we have a strong connection through our Friendship Agreement with Baguio City. Our thoughts are with them during this time of sadness and I encourage the greater community to support relief efforts in any way possible.”
Donations received by the Filipino Canadian Charitable Association of Vaughan will be forwarded to the Canadian Red Cross. The relief agency is deploying its Basic Health Care Emergency Response Unit to the Philippines. This field hospital can provide outpatient clinic services and provide much-needed community health services. To make a donation to the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund, please go to www.redcross.ca.
The City of Vaughan has supported many relief efforts following international disasters. The City made charitable contributions following earthquakes in China in 2008, Italy in 2009 and Haiti in 2010, a typhoon in the Philippines in 2009, and floods in Pakistan in 2010.
The City of Vaughan established a Friendship Agreement with Baguio City, Philippines in 1997.