It’s been almost three weeks since Typhoon Haiyan plowed into the Philippines with, according to the Associated Press and other major news sources, winds of up to 170 miles per an hour and storm surges of 20 feet.
As of Nov. 25, the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk and Reduction and Management Council reported 5,235 deaths. Close to 25,600 people were reported as injured and 1,613 are still missing. Some provinces and cities still remained without power, food, or clean water. However, an onslaught of aid—money, supplies, personnel, and more—continues to be dispatched to the islands most severely damaged by the storm.
The aid effort is in full swing back in the United States as well. Locally, the Red Cross of Santa Barbara County held a telethon with KCOY on Nov. 14, raising $30,000 for victims of the typhoon. Many other nonprofits, businesses, and local schools have launched fundraising drives of their own.
Last week, three Santa Maria organizations—the Filipino Community of Santa Maria Valley, the Filipino Seniors Association of Santa Maria Valley, and the Filipino American Association of Santa Maria Valley—announced plans to launch a major fundraising effort for the victims of the typhoon.
On Sunday, Dec. 15, there will be a barbecue at the Filipino Community Center at 2270 Preisker Lane in Santa Maria. According to event organizers, attendees will get barbecued chicken, salad, and sodas for a donation of $10.
Sonia Vea, a member of the Filipino Community of Santa Maria Valley, has family living in the Philippines who were affected by the typhoon.
Vea said a family member stateside contacted one of their cousins via Facebook to make sure their loved ones are safe. And while everyone is safe, they’re also homeless.
“It has been hard for them because there’s no food,” Vea told the Sun. “There’s lots of help, but not enough resources.”
She also said there’s no electricity and no place for her loved ones to sleep. They’re currently taking shelter in a tent.
“It’s cold during the night and hot during the day,” Vea said.
Tickets to the barbecue are being sold at Debu Shop on Skyway Drive, Mekong Market on Main Street, and the Asian Market on Mill Street. The organizations’ leaders are planning additional fundraising events, such as a garage sale.
Monetary donations can be made through an account at Community Bank of Santa Maria for “Philippines Typhoon Victims.”
For more information, call the Filipino Community Center at 264-5608.
This article appears in Nov 27 – Dec 4, 2013.