York Region school board raises $27,000 for disaster relief in RP, Indonesia

York Region school board raises $27,000 for disaster relief in RP, Indonesia

November 27, 2009: A fund drive initiated by Markham Trustee Marlene Mogado and adopted by the York Catholic District School Board has raised over $27,000 for the victims of the recent floodings in the Philippines and earthquakes in Indonesia, and in the process has as well reinforced the value of charitable giving among its schoolchildren.

A Press Release from the Board said the money was raised during a Board-wide Loonie-Toonie Day held on October 20.

It reported the money will be distributed through ShareLife’s international relief network and used to provide food, shelter, clean water and medical supplies so that survivors can rebuild their lives.

“The outpouring of support from our staff, students and their families was amazing,” says Director of Education, Susan LaRosa. Director LaRosa also noted that some smaller elementary schools raised well over $1,000 on their own.

“As Catholic communities, we embrace the call to help our global community,” adds LaRosa.

On September 26, Tropical Storm Ketsana (locally named Ondoy) struck the Philippines. A second storm, Parma (locally named Pepeng), struck days later. Hundreds of people died as a result of the storms and an estimated 600,000 were displaced, many having lost their homes, their property and their livelihoods.

On September 30, a massive earthquake rocked West Sumatra, Indonesia and hundreds of tremors were experienced for several days afterward. More than 1,100 people are confirmed dead and more than 100,000 homes and buildings, including hospitals and health clinics, were reported destroyed.

The Board will send approx. $20,000 to the Philippine relief and approx. $7,000 to the Indonesia relief. This distribution is based on the students enrolled in the Board who come from these areas.

PRESS RELEASE