Island residents have pledged nearly $300,000 to the Bermuda Red Cross to help those impacted by a deadly typhoon in the Philippines, and money is still coming in.

Bermuda Red Cross director Ann Spencer-Arscott said that as of yesterday the charity had received a total of $285,000 in pledges for typhoon relief, but more fundraisers are still on the calender.

“We have had some great responses from the public,” she said. “We know there are still other grub days and events that are coming up, and that figure doesn’t count what was made during the Live BDA fundraiser during Saturday’s Boat Parade.

“In pocket right now we have $223,450, with the rest in pledges. We’re hoping that the pledges come in relatively soon because we would like to send the money over to the Philippines next Friday.”

Typhoon Haiyan made landfall in the Philippines on November 8 bringing sustained winds of 195mph and gusts reaching 235mph. The devastating storm killed at least 5,924 people and another 1,779 people are still missing more than a month after the disaster.

Over the last month numerous groups have organised fundraisers ranging from grub days to concerts to help support the estimated 12 million affected by the storm.

Mrs Spencer-Arscott said: “We had one donation of $1,000 from a child’s birthday party where they asked for donations in leu of gifts, and this was a young child.

“Whenever there a horrendous disaster that affects many people like this typhoon, the Bermuda public always seems to come forward to help, perhaps because they travel to these areas or they have family or friends there.”

Another fundraiser is set to be held on Sunday, with Zumba instructor Wanda Maxwell leading an afternoon of Zumba at the Berkeley Institute Gym between 2pm and 4pm. Tickets for adults will cost $20, while children’s tickets will cost $10. All participants are asked to bring their own face towel.

Those interested in taking part are asked to contact Marrah Butler at 335-1599 for more information.