AF USA Partners Rally for Victims of Typhoon Frank

7/18/2008 | Ayala Foundation USA

The partners of Ayala Foundation USA continue to help in the relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Frank. Indeed, these partners are proof that Filipinos, no matter where they are in the world, are capable of uniting and helping one another in times of crisis.

The New York/Tri-State Volunteer Team of Ayala Foundation USA (AF-USA) has partnered with CORE ( Collaborative Opportunities for Raising Empowerment, Inc)   raise funds for victims of Typhoon Frank. CORE, a non-profit organization composed of a volunteer group of young Filipino professionals in the New York Tri-State area aims to empower Filipino professionals in the United States and to provide avenues for social involvement in the Philippines. On July 27, CORE along with AF USA will be holding a Disaster Relief Benefit for the victims of Typhoon Frank. The fundraiser will be held at Le Royale (21 7th Avenue South in New York City) from 2PM to 7PM.

"So many hometowns were affected by this disaster," commented Mark Habana, CORE Chair. "It would mean so much for many back home in the Philippines if they knew we were doing our part as young Filipino Professionals to help those who are struggling to overcome the results of the tragedy. We are informing others how important it is to give back, act and join the cause." For more information, log on to CORE's website at www.core-nyc.org or visit www.af-usa.org. For donors wishing to donate to CORE, please go to the AF USA website and choose AFI-CORE Typhoon in the drop down menu. For checks, please write "CORE Typhoon Relief" on the memo.
For their part, the University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America or UPMASA is enjoining all their friends and alumni to donate funds through AF USA for the victims of the typhoon. Calling the disaster relief operations as a  "top-priority task we should all attend to," UPMASA is asking everyone to help and send in their tax deductible checks to Ayala Foundation USA "out of sense of compassion and empathy for those who suffer."

NaFFAA, or the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, is also appealing to the Filipino American community to respond to the devastation wrought by Typhoon Frank. "In times such as this, we are being called upon to reach out to the families of these victims and express our generous spirit in every way we can," National Chair Alma Q. Kern says. "They need to know that we are there for them during these most difficult times. A human tragedy of this magnitude requires all of us to open our hearts and extend our helping hands."

Indeed, these partners are proof that Filipinos, no matter where they are in the world, are capable of uniting and helping one another in times of crisis.

Typhoon Frank is considered one of the worst typhoons of the year, displacing over one million people and causing 4 billion pesos worth of damages to infrastructure and agriculture. A total of 557 individuals perished, and according to the latest reports, 101 still remain unidentified.

It has been three weeks since the typhoon hit. Predictably, public attention has been diverted to other national issues. Away from the limelight, families still continue to suffer from lack of adequate homes, food and medical attention. We appeal to you to constantly remember our fellow kababayans still suffering from this tragedy.

You may still send your donations to:

Ayala Foundation
USA 255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 428
Redwood City, CA 94065 USA
Tel. no. (650) 598-3126
Fax no. (650) 508-8988
E-mail: info@af-usa.org
Contact: Marivic Padilla (marivic@af-usa. org)

We accept cash/check donations. You can also donate through our website (www.af-usa.org) or by clicking on the donate button at the end of the page. All donations will go directly to REFUGE (Resource and Fund Generating Program for Disaster Preparedness and Anticipation) of the Ayala Young Leaders Alliance, the disaster relief operations team of Ayala Foundation, Inc. AF USA is a registered 501c(3) public charity that provides tax deductibility incentives to our donors.