Students (KASAMA) Typhoon Relief Drive

Colleagues and Friends,

KASAMA -- the Philippine Studies Students Society, a registered student organization at Leeward CC, launched yesterday a three-day Typhoon Ondoy Relief Drive for the typhoon victims in the Philippines. (This college drive will end Friday, Oct 2.) As most of us know already, close to 300 lives were lost, over half a million displaced, and many lives are still unaccounted for. The population is in dire need for help for food, water, medicine, shelter, and other basic needs.

As if that is not enough, the Philippines is again bracing for another "super typhoon" (Typhoon Pepepeng; International code: "Parma") "heading to the country, threatening to unleash more devastation for millions of people already struggling to recover from deadly floods that claimed 277 lives." (inquirer.net; Oct1, 2009)

Our students, through KASAMA, has partnered with the statewide effort spearheaded by the Filipino Community Center, the Philippine Consulate and other major organizations to raise funds to help the victims. Cash donations are preferred over in-kind donations due to Customs requirements. All checks should be made payable to Filipino Community Center, a 501c3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible. Donations will be channelled through non-governmental organzations in the Philippines directly involved in assisting the disaster victims.

KASAMA sets up a collection table in front of the college library from 9am to 2pm. We appeal for your kindness.

As of yesterday, in two hours, our students have collected mostly from from friends and fellow students $221. I truly commend their drive, spirit and sense of humanity. I want to congratulate Kim Ramos (President) and his team and members for their work.

Please support their cause.

Raymund Liongson
Advisor
KASAMA x557