The Woodstock-Oxford Rotary Club rallies to help those devistated by the "Super Typhoon", Haiyan
It's a scene of complete devastation in the Philippines.
It's been a couple of days since Typhoon Haiyan blew through the cluster of islands with winds in excess of 300km/h.
Thousands have lost their homes and are living out of evacuation shelters.
There's a desperate, immediate need for food, medicine and water.
Grace Balankig, a Woodstock resident who is a native of the Philippines has lived through many typhoons, but says those storm pale in comparison to the "Super Typhoon" that hit late last week. "In a year we get about 20 typhoons, but not as strong as this one. The most would be a 'Signal number 3', which is about 125km/h winds, but this one was more than 300. The wind is just a howling, it's so eerie when you hear the typhoon."
Balankig has been in touch with her children, family and friends. She says while their home was able to sustain the winds in excess of 300km/h, other areas have been completely destroyed. "It's very dangerous. There's still some debris there and you never know what's going to happen. They (children) go out and tell me what's near our community, but through my friends as well they're sending me photos and telling me stories. People are in bad need of medicine, water and food."
Balankig is asking to local residents to support relief efforts by donating through the Woodstock-Oxford Rotary Club. "I'm appealing to all the people to please give help to the Philippines. We'll make sure from our end (Rotary) that it will go to the people who need it most."
Click here to support their effort.
To make matters worse, another category 1 storm to blowing through the country today.
The official death toll is 950, but there are said to be uncounted bodies lying in the streets, and there are fears the toll could rise to 10,000.
The Canadian government, meantime, is considering sending the Disaster Assistance Response Team.
Norfolk OPP Presence for Friday the 13th
Funding Supports Local Businesses
Interview with the Warden - November 12th, 2026
Upcoming Holiday Fundraisers for OCAR
Recall Issued for Canadian Beer Brands
Woodstock Holds Remembrance Day Ceremony
UPDATE: Warning Issued in School Threat Investigation
Remembrance Day in Oxford County
Vehicle Vandalized Outside Norwich Business
Suspicious Death Under Investigation
Community Kitchen gets Dedication
Names Released for New PWHL Teams
New Family Doctor Now Accepting Patients
Dates Announced for Tour of Lights 2026
Deadline Approaches for Tourism Surveys
Construction at Pittock Conservation Area
PJHL Recap - Nov 6th to Nov 8th
Navy Vets Recap - Nov 6th
Theatre Tillsonburg Presents: The Numbers Game
WFD Sends Reminders Ahead of Diwali
Comments
Add a comment