Victoria resident Myrna Hodges could hardly sleep or eat for days after typhoon Haiyan decimated the central Philippines. She was waiting for news of her missing 18-year-old niece Mildred Monares, who had left their family’s village on a nearby island to register for school in the city of Tacloban.
“She’s my responsibility. I pay for her school and encouraged her to go there,” said Hodges at the Bayanihan Community Centre, where she has been helping to raise funds for those affected by the Nov. 8 typhoon that killed more than 5,000, displaced millions and turned homes and cities into rubble.
Hodges now believes in miracles.
Her niece had taken refuge with thousands of others in a sports stadium.
“But it was too much,” Hodges said. The stadium flooded. Her niece clung to whatever she could, floating among trash and dead bodies for more than eight hours.
Hodges’ brother Andreas hired a boat to take him to Tacloban from their village every morning. He combed the streets looking for his niece for five days. Finally, he just ran into her — she had been walking around without food or water for days.
“My brother is a hero,” Hodges said, tearing up. “I’m thankful to God my family is safe.”
As millions of aid dollars and donated goods pour into the Philippines, Hodges is concerned for those on the ground — like her family — struggling to just to get clean water and food.
“People are frustrated. But what can we do? Hopefully, help gets to them,” she said.
Last week, the Victoria Filipino community presented the Canadian Red Cross with $30,000. That money will be matched by the provincial and federal government. The latter just extended its pledge to match personal donations until Dec. 23.
“We can’t stop doing good and trying to help,” said Laila Pires, president of the Victoria Filipino Canadian Association.
Local events
Upcoming fundraisers for victims of typhoon Haiyan. Funds go to the Canadian Red Cross:
• Indian feast — Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m., India Bistro (1245 Wharf St.), in partnership with the India Canada Cultural Association of Victoria. Tickets are $50. For more information, call 250-382-8662.
• Dinner and dance — Saturday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, a joint event by the Bayanihan Community Centre and the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers. Tickets are $30. For more information, call 250-472-1898.
