The Island’s Filipino community and guests gathered in fellowship last night to hear that the Association of Filipinos has so far raised $31,000 to help with relief efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.

Despite a wet and gloomy night, more than 100 people turned out to join hands in prayer at a Thanksgiving dinner at St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church Centennial Hall.

Association of Filipinos in Bermuda president Joey Prevendido told guests that every day since the November 8 impact of the storm had brought fresh news of devastation from their beleaguered country ­— but also help.

“To us, the Filipino community in Bermuda, we find ourselves lucky,” Mr Prevendido said.

“We are lucky because we’re employed by the richest country of the west. We have gainful employment with salaries many times those of our prior country. It is therefore proper and fitting that we share by donating to the struggling people of our country.”

Vice president Rowena Comber said the charity had identified more than 30 Filipinos on the Island whose families back home have been touched by the devastation.

“A few still haven’t heard from their families,” she added.

One such local worker is Alex Alferez, who lost three cousins to the typhoon. His cousin Intoy, just 19, was killed along with a five-year-old cousin when a tree toppled onto them as they struggled to help his elderly aunt — who, tragically died a week after.

Mr Alferez believes his aunt passed away from sheer grief as well as starvation.

“She was crying all week,” he said. “She died out of depression, thinking about my cousins. Every time I tell this story, it breaks my heart. But I have to do it — because I have to make sure people are aware of what’s happening, and make sure we can get more help.”

Despite their sadness, the gathering broke into applause at news of the Association’s fundraising.

Local companies have donated calling cards so Filipinos can call home, and Western Union has allowed them free transfers of money back home until the end of the month.

Restaurant owner Franz Egenolf donated food for last night’s dinner, Ms Comber said, telling the Association: “It’s the only way I can help.”

According to international media the death toll from the typhoon in recent days broke the 5,000 mark and continues to climb.

Last night’s guests silently watched a sombre montage of reports showing the initial impact, giving way to scenes of carnage in the storm’s aftermath.

But Centennial Hall also resounded with “Mabuhay”, an expression of joy from Tagalog, one of the main languages of the Philippines — which translates roughly as “may you live”.