Pinoy kids sell their toys, raise P22K for typhoon victims

Article posted October 24, 2009 - 11:11 AM
Despite their young age, Filipino children in China managed to raise P22,807 for victims of cyclones Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma) by selling used toys and belongings.The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Filipino children and their foreign friends held the "international fun and food fair" at Beijing's South Cathedral.“I commend these children for this simple but wonderful gesture. Their donation will certainly go a long way for the typhoon victims," Philippine Ambassador Sonia Brady said on the DFA website.Citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, the DFA said the sale of old toys, books and DVDs last October 18 raised 3,304 renminbi (US$485).Last week, a Mexican student made a similar gesture of generosity to Filipino flood victims iwhen he donated P2,451 right out of his "alkansiya" (piggy bank). [See: Mexican 5th grader donates to flood victims]Songs of HopeOn the other hand, Beijing-based Filipino artists and musicians, who staged a three-hour concert to raise funds for typhoon victims in the Philippines.Brady said the Philippine Embassy in Beijing arranged the “Songs of Hope: Joining Hands for the Typhoon Victims in the Philippines" charity event also last October 18 at Salsa Caribe music lounge in Beijing. in partnership with the Filipino community.“The aftermath of the devastating typhoons and floods has prompted us to organize the charity concert," Brady said.She said the charity concert raised almost 60,000 renminbi (US$8,888 or P417,958).Brady said the proceeds will be donated to Gawad Kalinga and Caritas for their rehabilitation and reconstruction projects for the typhoon victims.The Embassy organized the concert attended by almost 500 people, in cooperation with the Couples for Christ Beijing and the Pinoy Overseas Photographers in Beijing, who donated some of their best photos of China for the charity event.Four Beijing-based Filipino bands and a husband-and-wife dancing team performed during the concert for free.Before the performance, the audience stood in silent tribute to the victims of the typhoons.