Northern fundraising for Philippines typhoon relief continues

Fundraising efforts to help people affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines continue across the North.

This week, Vanier Catholic Secondary School in Whitehorse helped raise $3,200.

It held various fundraisers including screening Cold Paradise, a 2011 film documenting the stories of Whitehorse's Filipino community, directed by local filmmaker Werner Walcher.

"It's important that our students hear this story, because they've got lots of friends that are from the Philippines that go here, so I feel like for a lot of the students this film sort of connects the dots," said Bill Wiloughby, a teacher at Vanier. "This story of why all these Filipino people have come here. This is a story of hope and resilience and we see the same thing going on after the typhoon." 

Proceeds will go to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. The local Catholic Church has offered to double whatever is raised and the Federal Government has pledged to double it again.

Fundraising efforts in Nunavut

On Monday the Government of Nunavut donated $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross for relief efforts in the Philippines. Outgoing Premier Eva Aariak and incoming Premier Peter Taptuna jointly presented the cheque. 

Last week people in the hamlet of Taloyoak, Nunavut, raised $700 in one night to aid those affected by the typhoon. 

A collection was taken up by the local radio station, and even though the weather was not good, people went in person to the radio station to donate. 

"I saw one person who must be well over 70, walk into the radio station to bring donations to people in need," said organizer James Eetoolook.

A fundraiser is also being planned for Nov. 30 at the Discovery Hotel in Iqaluit. 

"Personally, I'm overwhelmed by the response of the city and even the people," said organizer Bob Gabuna, who is originally from the Philippines, but now lives in Iqaluit.