INNISFAIL – The Phil-Can Neighbourhood Association of Innisfail is asking the community to help desperate Filipinos abroad by supporting its annual spring fundraiser.
The Hawaiian Luau Dinner Dance Party For a Cause is being held at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion on April 21. Doors open at 5 p.m.
“I am knocking at your door, so please help us,” said Grace Gresos, chair of the association. “This money does not go in our pocket but to help our fellow Filipinos who are in need.”
This year, money is being raised for victims of January's Mount Mayon volcano eruption in the Philippines.
“There were 21,256 families (affected), that’s 81,997 people living in 72 evacuation centres,” she said. “We are helping with rehabilitation and rebuilding (efforts). People are starting to move back to their homes (and to the area).”
Gresos noted many homes and farms were damaged or destroyed by the volcano, along with countless animals killed and massive destruction of land, including in the outlying areas.
Since 2014 the Phil-Can Neighbourhood Association of Innisfail has helped raise funds for a number of different charities and organizations, both abroad in the Philippines and here in Innisfail.
In the past, the association has raised thousands of dollars for victims of Typhoon Yolanda, the Innisfail Boys and Girls Club, the Catholic Youth Conference, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Innisfail Seniors Drop-In Centre and the Innisfail and District Food Bank.
“We are very, very fortunate that we are here in Canada. In return, we say thank you to the community and want to help the community, not only here but also in the Philippines,” said Gresos.
“It’s our privilege that we have this opportunity to raise money for them.”
The event will include a dinner, cash bar, games, door prizes, a 50/50 draw and a silent auction.
Tickets are $25 each, or $15 for children 10 and under, and can be purchased at the door.
For more information visit the Phil-Can Neighbourhood Association of Innisfail on Facebook, or to purchase tickets call 403-227-1724 or 587-877-0427.
