Australia’s bushfires raged from late last year until January 2020. Some Filipino community groups and individuals fundraised to assist the victims. It was a time of giving back to our adopted country.
Here are some of the fundraising appeals conducted in the community:-
Linda Rose/Sheila Collantes Group – event was held at Pabico with a variety of entertainers to include Philippine Dance Ensemble, Baile Internationale, Sanders Bollywood Group, Madonna, Lillian de los Reyes and the direction of Dizzy Dizon. They raised $1,590 to Rural Fire Services (RFS) and $1,585 was donated to WWF for the animal fund.
The MENM Productions for FILSPARC Association held their fundraising event at the Blacktown Civic Hall, Blacktown, which was provided by the Blacktown City Council for free. The event raised $5,250.00 which was donated to the Salvation Army. Since Taal volcano in the Philippines erupted just prior to the event, a further $2,130 of the funds was allocated to be donated to the Red Cross for the Taal victims.
The Maharlika Riders did a collection from members and friends and raised approximately $600 plus and was donated to the Rural Fire Services.
The Philippine Community Council of NSW gave a cheque of $5,555 to the Rural Services, and $3,000 came from the PADER disaster fund.
Handog Pinoy raised $15, 573.00 and all monies collected was donated “on behalf of the Filipino community” to the town of Bobin, one of the most affected areas in northern New South Wales. The funds were used to purchase hay for their animals. Why hay? This was what the town people asked for. Without hay, their animals would have died; and without the animals, they would have lost their means of livelihood.
Associations who donated to Handog Pinoy’s charity appeal included: The Philippine Australian Medical Association (PAMA), Aguman Capampangan of Australia, BowlerOz League, CRFCC, Filipino Cooperative, Mapua Alumni Association of Australia, MMA Dapto Choir Group, Pinoy Australian Association, Samar Association of Australia, Sydney Metro Golf Club and Timek Iti La Union. Individual donations were also accepted with much gratitude.
To all those who gave from the generosity of their hearts, Australia says “Thank You!”
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