Winnipeg, MB - Mayor Sam Katz and the Filipino community are sending a message of hope to the people of the Philippines as clean up begins on the destruction caused by Typhoon Yolanda, the most powerful storm of its kind in recorded history.
“Speaking on behalf of the City of Winnipeg, our hearts go out to all who have been affected by Typhoon Yolanda,” said Mayor Katz. “The Filipino community in Winnipeg maintains strong ties to their homeland, and we join them in their concern for family and friends in the wake of this disaster. The thoughts and prayers of Winnipeggers are with our sister city of Manila, as well as the entire nation.”
Typhoon Yolanda, also known as Typhoon Haiyan, battered the Philippines with maximum sustained winds of 314 km/hour on Thursday night (Winnipeg time), forcing the evacuation of nearly 150,000 people and causing wide-spread damage due to high winds and flash-floods.
“This city has a close-knit Filipino community of nearly 65,000 people,” said Councillor Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas). “As the storm was making landfall overseas, relief efforts were already being organized here in Winnipeg. This is truly a testament to the strength of the community.”
The Filipino Seniors Group of Winnipeg is opening their doors this weekend to accept donations for the Philippines Calamity Fundraising Drive. Those who wish to contribute can stop by 49 Euclid Street between 10 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The Canadian Red Cross has also set up a fundraising page to accept donations electronically at: https://secure.redcross.ca/registrant/donate.aspx?eventid=134486&langpref=en-CA