Typhoon Haiyan hits the Philippines (November 2013)

Members of the Brock community have mobilized to support humanitarian efforts in the Philippines after one of the strongest storms ever recorded slammed into the island country earlier this month.

“It’s so wonderful to see our campus rally around this international cause,” says Kristen Smith, manager, Student and Community Outreach.

“An open meeting was held last week to bring together the community,” she says. “And since then, students and other members of the Brock community continue to come forward with offers to help.”

Anyone from the community wishing to get involved with the Brock Supports the Philippines Campaign are invited to attend an open meeting this Friday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. in the Community Meeting Place in DeCew Residence (R208).

Last week’s meeting led to a number of grassroots initiatives springing up on campus to raise awareness and funds for the campaign.

A giving page for Brock has been set up to support the Humanitarian Coalition with the Canadian Government matching all donations made prior to Dec. 8.

Brock’s #lendahand social media campaign to raise funds and awareness for relief in the Philippines is being lead by sport management student Bawe Nsame (bn13pb@brocku.ca).

Volunteers to help with the #lendahand campaign are invited to a meeting this Wednesday (Nov. 20) at 2 p.m. in the Student Leadership and Innovations Commons (MC A204).

Other Brock Supports the Philippines Campaign initiatives to date, include:

• Brock’s Department of Residences held a karaoke night and their Residence Action Council (RAC) also hosted a coffee house with proceeds going to the campaign.

• The Brock University Chinese Students and Scholars Association (BUCSSA) donated $200 from their annual Karaoke Contest to the campaign. Skyland Karaoke, a local business, also contributed $100.

• Donation containers will be placed at International Education Week events taking place on campus this week as well as at various retail places around the University.

• Simply Sustainable, a local handmade jewelry business, are selling beaded bracelets with a toonie from each sale going to the campaign. The sale takes place tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 20) and on Monday, Nov. 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., in front of Union Station.

If you are interested in more info on the campaign, contact Kristen Smith, Student Life & Community Experience at x3845 or kristen.smith@brocku.ca, or Arthur Chen, International Services and Programs Abroad at x4318 or arthur.chen@brocku.ca

Funds raised by the Brock Supports the Philippines Campaign will be directed towards the Humanitarian Coalition’s relief efforts in the country where the death toll from the typhoon is now at close to 4,000 people.

The Humanitarian Coalition brings together Canada’s leading aid agencies to finance relief efforts in times of international humanitarian crises. The five member agencies of the coalition work together to increase the impact of Canadian humanitarian responses and reduce administrative costs.