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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
With nearly 50 per cent of metro Manila devastated by flooding caused by torrential rains brought by typhoons Saola and Haikui, the Philippine Cultural Association of Yellowknife (PCAY) is gearing up to raise funds for relief efforts in the area.

Members of the Yellowknife Filipino community are organizing to support flood victims in the Philippines. From left, Laborita Senhouse, Annie Estevan and Gloria Reyes took part in a major fundraising effort held in 2009 to help people in their former country. - NNSL file photo

To date nearly two million people have been affected by the record flooding, and close to 300,000 people are looking for temporary shelter.

According to the Canadian Red Cross, there are 614 evacuation centres throughout the area, and at least 50 people have been killed.

Waist-deep, and in some cases chin-deep, water has crippled the city and left rescue crews scrambling to find survivors and help the displaced.

"My own community has been affected ... It's been flooded," said Gloria Reyes, PCAY president. "I haven't heard that anyone has lost their houses, it's all over ... They are still flooded in some areas."

The association is hoping to raise $5,000, but its members have already committed $1,000 out of their own pockets.

A series of bake sales and a charity barbecue are in the works to help increase the fundraising efforts.

"I was thinking about having bake sales, and asking them to donate some goods, then we can sell them," Reyes said.

Volunteers will also be going to the business community to ask for their help.

ANCOP (Answering the call of the poor), a Canadian not-for-profit geared toward building shelters for the poor, held its annual walk in Yellowknife this past weekend along the McMahon Frame Lake Trail.

Proceeds raised will be either donated to the Philippine Red Cross or ANCOP.

"The main thing is the flooding. We need to support them. Last year we sent to the Philippine Red Cross," she said. "It would be great if the community could support us."

For more information, or to donate contact the Philippine Cultural Association of Yellowknife.

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