When Nellie Vandt saw the TV news pictures Friday of destruction in her homeland in the Philippines, her heart sank.
Typhoon Haiyan packed 200 kilometre-plus winds and storm surge waves as high as 15 metres. In some places, as much as 400 millimetres of rain fell.
In its destructive wake, 10,000 are believed dead, many more were left homeless and are now in need of clean water, food and shelter.
Vandt, who owned and ran a food importing business in Richmond, was born in Tacloban, one of the hardest hit cities.
“It’s where I buried my father, and I still have many relatives there,” said Vandt Tuesday, her voice quivering slightly as she lamented not being able to make contact with them and now fears for their well-being.
That’s why she immediately jumped into action to organize a fundraising event on Thursday called the Celebrity Tribute for the Philippines by the Friends of the Filipino Typhoon Victims. It will be held at Grand Taj Banquet Hall in Surrey (8388 128 St.).
Vandt said Tacloban, the capital of the Philippine province of Leyte, is approximately 580 kilometres southeast of Manila. It is a small city, which attracts plenty of tourists who seek out the tropical rainforest climate and its beaches during the busy vacation times.
Thursday’s event will feature food and entertainment by Tina Turner tribute artist Luisa Marshall who is originally from Manila.
Also stepping up to perform that night will be Nearly Neil (Bobby Bruce), Abracadabra (a Vancouver-based Abba tribute band) and Elvis tribute artist Darren Lee.
Tickets are $30 each and are available by calling 1-866-879-2522 or emailing info@sukhibathmotors.com.
And this coming weekend another group in Richmond is also raising funds for relief efforts.
Lot Ramirez, executive director of FIRST Society (Filipinos in Richmond Support Team), said on Nov. 16 and 17 the Real Canadian Superstore (4651 No. 3 Rd.), will be the site where donations can be made. One hundred per cent of the money collected, plus donations from FIRST, will be sent to the Canadian Red Cross.
“We did the same thing a couple of years ago when typhoon Ondoy hit. That time we raised about $2,000,” Ramirez said.
Since reports about the typhoon’s damage were made public, Ramirez said FIRST’s telephone has been ringing with offers of help from the local Filipino community, which according 2011 Canada Census amounts to roughly 12,000 in Richmond and about 75,000 across Metro Vancouver.
To find out more about FIRST’s fundraising plans, or to donate, call 604-442-8178 or email info@firstsociety.org.
