By: Filipinos Unite for A Cause
https://www.facebook.com/groups/uniteforacause/
17 November 2013

DUBAI, UAE – Dubbed as Aid of Hope, a group of united Filipino volunteers held a fund raising event to help the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Zabeel Park on November 15.  A total amount of  Dhs. 93,195 was raised plus 308 boxes of goods.  The money donations were coursed through the Red Crescent Society who will coordinate with the Philippine Red Cross while the donations in kind have been forwarded to LBC for the immediate shipping to the Philippine Red Cross as well.  All donations came from Filipinos and other expatriates and companies from across the United Arab Emirates who participated in the various activities launched during the event.

Fund raising strategies

With the aim of raising as much donations as possible, different fund raising strategies were organized which were all tied-up together into this charity event.  As early as 8am, the program opened with Walk for A Cause and Fitness activities like Zumba and Body Combat conducted by fitness instructors.  Photography enthusiasts participated in the Shoot for A Cause where models, hair and make-up artists and fashion designers unselfishly exerted their time and talents.  Many volunteers brought and sold in cooked food, snacks and Filipino delicacies.  Filipino artists and multi-awarded Filipino photographers donated and sold their artworks and photographs.  Other activities were medical mission, fun and games, magic and photobooth.  Some companies and expatriates came in to extend their cash donations as well.

Donations in kind

The organizers were able to pack 308 boxes of goods from the various donations of individuals who came in with their new & used clothing, canned goods, blankets etc.   Many foreign nationals admired the bulk of donations and the hard work of volunteers who stayed late night at the park to pack the goods.  There were park-goers who when they learned about the aim of the event immediately rushed to the nearest grocery store and came back with bags of goods to donate.  Two foreign nationals volunteered to rent vehicles to transport the boxes.

Started with a call from a Facebook page

Urgency.  A day after typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), a group of Filipino volunteers have set the Filipinos Unite for A Cause Facebook page and called everyone in the UAE to help raise funds for the typhoon victims.  The response was overwhelming, about 3,000 immediately joined in the facebook page.  Many ideas how to help and comments how to organize a charity event became the most popular thread.  Adhering to the call to help and keeping in mind the urgency of the need, majority agreed to launch the event on November 15.  With only 5 days to prepare and get all necessary permits, all volunteers exerted their share of labor in spite of tremendous odds due to time constraints.   But everyone hanged in tight while making all the other preparations for the event and prayed that the all-important permits from UAE Red Crescent Society, Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities, and Dubai Municipality Public Parks & Horticulture Department be released.  Thankfully the permits were approved and released in time. 

Excerpts from Facebook Thread

Milo Torres:    During the core group meeting, it was mentioned that there will be 20 jumbo boxes of LBC for collecting goods. The fact that it was only Thursday when we have the chance to announce, my expectation is that 20 boxes would be enough or maybe another 10 boxes additional. What a big surprise, 308 boxes is even 10x more than what I expected, God is really great!

Maja Layne: There is one thing I know for sure, the FULL AMOUNT will be given to all the victims.. walang pupunta sa mga gastusin ng mga organizers ng event (no donation will go to the organizers or charged as expense of the event)... A big SALUTE po sa inyo!... I pray that whatever you have given in this cause, May God give it back to you a hundredfold... xoxo

Lexus Acoustic: kung anong TALENTONG biniyaya saiyo ng MAYKAPAL sya mong gamitin upang makabahagi ng tulong sa mga nangangailangan... salamat po sa mga bumili para maidonate sa mga kababayan nating nangangailangan. to all artist na nagbahagi ng kanilangg talento mabuhay po tayong lahat...ganon din sa mga nagbahagi ng kanilang donation at tulong pisikal. ^^ (Whatever talent or gift God gave you, use it to help the needy.  Thanks to those who donated.  To all the artists who shared their talents, long live to all of us, thanks as well to those who extended their physical help)

Tita Marfori: It was a very wonderful experience. singing the National Anthem in a foreign land, teary-eyed. side by side with kabayans we just met there..

Vladimirɘ Manuɘl Lapuz: can goods, toiletries, biscuits, noodles, blankets, tents, clothes, cash, love, at pakikipagkapwa tao para sa mga affected ni Yolanda mula sa mga Pinoy maging sa mga ibang lahi dito sa UAE, hindi man milyon milyon ang maitutulong namin, kung ano po ang meron kami, hindi po namin ipagdadamot. gusto lang po namin ipaalam sa nyo na hindi po kayo nag-iisa. Kapit lang po tayo, wag na wag bibitaw. We may not be able to donate millions but whatever we can give, we will.  We want to tell you, that you are not alone.  Hang-in there, do not lose hope.

To know more, please contact the following spokespersons for this movement:

1) Belle Foronda       056-6137548

2) Rhea Yhang           056-2816991

3) Maja Layne            050-2561189

4) Roy Francis Manalang     050-1777917

5) Noel Pangilinan    050-1779666

6) Milo Torres           050-4961650