Money raised for Philippine typhoon relief still hasn’t left Winnipeg

WINNIPEG—Some members of Winnipeg’s Filipino community are upset that relief money raised for victims of Typhoon Haiyan still hasn’t been sent to the Philippines.

More than $70,000 was raised shortly after the typhoon struck last November, but it still hasn’t been forwarded by the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba.

President Lito Taruc says they’re still waiting for matching funds from the federal government.

Ron Cantiveros of the Filipino Journal says it’s a concern to those who donated to find out the money is still sitting in Winnipeg.

The Mennonite Central Committee says as soon as disaster strikes, money must be sent immediately.

Spokesman Ron Janzen says rapid response is key when people are lacking basic essentials such as food, water and health hygiene.

Taruc says he inherited many problems when he became president of the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba but pleaded with the community to be patient with the organization.

He says he’s determined to deal all the problems, including getting the money to the Philippines.

The organization owed almost $50,000 in back taxes to the City of Winnipeg last October.