Aid Given to Philippines, Efforts Increase

Groups organize relief for disaster victims overseasMallory MillerTHE SANTA CLARANovember 14, 2013[dropcap]S[/dropcap]tudents across campus are quickly collaborating and responding to help aid those injured by Typhoon Haiyan as well as the 600,000 displaced residents in the Philippines.The Sigma Chi Fraternity and Barkada, Santa Clara’s Filipino Student Organization, are holding fundraisers to collect money and goods to send overseas.Alex Sola-Guinto, philanthropy chair for Sigma Chi, originally organized the Kappa-Chi Classic, a Kappa Kappa Gamma powderpuff football week, two months ago to help raise money for a preschool on a farm his grandmother lives on in the Philippines.Roughly 100 Greek members of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority donated books, school supplies and clothes in order to participate in the Kappa-Chi Classic events. A GoFundMe account was also set up for the family and friends of the Greek organizations to donate to the preschool.“Initially, we were doing this fundraiser to help establish this preschool,” said Sola-Guinto, “but fate must have had something else in store for us.”After the typhoon hit during the same weekend the Kappa Chi Classic events were held, Sola-Guinto decided to keep the GoFundMe account open for three to four more weeks to raise money for the victims. As of Monday, a little over $2,000 had been raised, exceeding the fraternity’s original goal of raising $1,500 for the preschool.The money in the account will be used to ship donated goods to the preschool, although Sola-Guinto said, “I still don’t know how the farm is doing, or how the kids are doing,” due to power outages and lack of connection with his grandmother on the farm.The remaining money in the GoFundMe account will be donated to the Philippine Red Cross.Barkada was also determined to take action in response to multiple emails and concerns from students. “After the typhoon struck, a lot of students from other organizations, and some students I didn’t even know, asked if the Barkada club was doing anything or mobilizing,” said Michael Tan, co-chair of Barkada.The club held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the disaster and ways to help. Barkada is in the process of organizing Bronco Bayanihan, a week-long fundraising effort.“Bayanihan is the Filipino word for hero,” said Tan. “It’s the kindness you show to your fellow man, and not expecting something in return. That compassion and concern for others.”Next Wednesday will be the peak day for the fundraising effort. Programs and clubs, as well as Greek organizations, are invited to fundraise with Barkada between Benson Memorial Center and the Harrington Learning Commons — whether it be selling baked goods, simply informing students of the tragedy, hosting games or setting up a dunk booth. Pura Vida representatives have agreed to sell bracelets throughout the week and donate 100 percent of their profits to Barkada. Merchandise will be sold, and monetary funds will be set up for donations as well.The money raised through Bronco Bayanihan week will be donated to the Philippine Red Cross and the Catholic Relief Services.Barkada requested proof of receipts once the money arrives. The club will be putting up a tarp next week in front of the Multicultural Center for students to sign and write encouraging messages for the victims in need. Contact Mallory Miller at memiller@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.