Press Release
Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance-B.C.

Filipino Canadian Youth group to hold event to raise donation for recent typhoon “Frank” in the Philippines

July 14, 2008

Vancouver, B.C.--On July 19, 2008, Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada/ the Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance (UKPC/FCYA) will be hosting another “Pinoy Poetiks”.  This will be their first Pinoy Poetiks of the year that will take place at Rhizome Café, 317 East Broadway, at 7pm, as a fundraiser for the deadly typhoon “Frank” that hit the Philippines on June 21, 2008.  

Typhoon Frank hit central Philippines, leaving many provinces in a desperate state when it triggered landslides and floods. “With over 1000 dead, and even more left homeless, it’s urgent that we contribute what we can.” Says Ayex Bathan of UKPC/FCYA.  “The people are not a top priority of the government and the Philippines is not equipped to handle these natural disasters, because government funds are being distributed elsewhere.” States Bathan.

Pinoy Poetiks is a cultural event held a few times a year to raise awareness about the issues faced by the Filipino community, not only in the Philippines but here in Canada. “Typhoon Frank is another hardship that the Filipino community must face alongside the growing conditions in the Philippines.” Says Christian Clamonte, member of UKPC/FCYA and a performer for the Saturday show.  “The people of the Philippines were already struggling to survive with rising costs of food, and now they’ve lost their homes.” Says Clamonte. 

Pinoy Poetiks is composed of youth who stand in unity with the struggling Filipinos throughout the world. Support is shown through sharing experiences and stories in creative art form like rap, singing and spoken word. 

Admittance will be a sliding scale of $5- $10 with partial proceeds going to The Philippine Disaster Relief Fund.  These funds will contribute to the Citizens Disaster Relief Centre, a non-governmental organization that promotes community-based disaster management in the Philippines. Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada/ The Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance is encouraging any youth who would like to perform to contact Niki at the Kalayaan Centre at 604-215-1103.  The community is invited to support the cause and local artists that will be performing.

If you are unable to come to the event and would still like to make a donation you can mail a cheque payable to “Philippine Women Centre of B.C.,” 451 Powell Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6A 1G7. Please signify that your donations are for "Typhoon Frank" relief efforts. Donations can also be made at any Vancouver City Savings Credit Union branch to the account: “Philippine Disaster Relief Fund,”  Account Number: 63487, Branch 28.

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