THE RIGHT TO HELP – Post Typhoon Ondoy Report
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

The world positively responded from the “Call for Help” when Manila was struck by Typhoon Ondoy in September 2009. Filipinos in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada did not waste time. All that really matter was “ang kapwa ay nangangailangan ng tulong”. The fund raising effort was covered in major TV networks and print media. Volunteerism: a collective effort from every Filipinos and friends touched every heart, passers-by curious to know more about the relief, youths’ eyes were opened to share, kids’ amazement made their parents care – and most of all they made a difference.

Over one hundred volunteers convened on October 18, 2009 at the major drive relief in Edmonton. Over 400 boxes were gathered in a most organized and efficient collecting and packaging procedures implemented by organizers: Eloisa Lau, Isabelita Wheeler, MCS Trading and 3J Variety Store Ltd. Another 80 to 90 boxes came from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories which was directly shipped to MCS Trading warehouse in Rainbow Transport, Edmonton.

Among the group of volunteers were: Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity; Tau Gamma Sigma Sorority; Filipino groups in Jasper, Alberta; Knights of Columbus – Nazareno Council; Lucbang-Looc and more unmentioned. Organizers solicited help from the Canadian Red Cross to handle the $10,000 cash donations. Added to the Red Cross donations was the collection of $5,000 from Filipinos of Jasper Park, Alberta.

Volunteerism did not stop there. Efforts derived from Sonny Suarez and his MCS team when they were stranded for days in storing and loading the goods until a container was made available. All of their hard work and humble endeavors were unaccounted financially but this stage was deemed crucial for the fulfillment of our goal: Relief goods must reach its destination soon.

With the help of some Filipino agencies, the custom clearing was expedited by the well trained and prepared staff of Manila Forwarders who were all on standby, when the goods arrived in the port of Manila. After months of waiting, organizers and volunteers were jubilant to see pictures of delivery to ABS-CBN and GMA Networks.

Organizers and volunteers recognized the efforts made by Manny Paez and the Manila Forwarders staff for their expertise and professionalism in delivering these goods to its final destinations. Again, all of this was possible because of Manila Forwarders. Maraming salamat po!