Some Bermuda residents have not yet heard from Filipino families
Fundraising efforts in Bermuda have garnered more than $160,000 in pledges and donations to help people affected by a deadly typhoon in the Philippines.
Ann Spencer-Arscott of the Bermuda Red Cross said they have raised $138,708 in pledges and donations for typhoon relief over the past ten days, while the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda has raised more than $23,000.
Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines earlier this month, bringing sustained winds of 195 miles per hour and gusts reaching 235mph.
Around 13 million people have been affected by the deadly storm, with around three million people displaced and nearly 4,000 confirmed dead.
The Association announced it has made its first batch of donations, splitting the money equally between the Philippine Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services and Operation Blessing.
On Sunday charity officers met with several Filipinos who have been affected by the disaster, presenting them with funds to help their families in the Philippines relocate to other areas of the country.
“Some of these families have lost their relatives and had their properties totally damaged,” a spokeswoman said. “Some have not yet heard from their loved ones.
“Relief has been slow in reaching many of these affected areas due to the magnitude of the situation, and the Association is assisting them find relief from the burdens of this horrible disaster.
“Tears were shed as some of them are still in mourning for the loss of their relatives and many are unsure about the future of their families.
“After the meeting, these Filipinos felt some reassurance that support is being provided to them by their fellow Filipinos and the Bermuda Community.”
The Association noted that Western Union has offered to waive all transfer fees to the Philippines until November 30 to help Filipino families send money to those affected by the storm.
On November 24, the Association will be holding a Thanksgiving fundraiser at St Paul AME Church, with a full Thanksgiving dinner being provided by Pizza House. The event starts at 5pm with tickets costing $20.
