Two Winnipeg Students initiate fundraiser for COVID-19 affected kababayans in the Philippines

Two Winnipeg Students initiate fundraiser for COVID-19 affected kababayans in the Philippines

Filipino-Canadian students in Winnipeg, Jinalyn Dineros and Kristine Jimenez, initiated the Bayanihan Spirit, a fundraiser that aims to help kababayans in the Philippines affected by the situation brought upon by COVID-19. “With our fellow Filipinos in mind, we started The Bayanihan Spirit with the intention of paying it forward. Despite the chaos, we are all sharing today, there is still an opportunity for each one of us to help those who are in need,” Dineros and Jimenez said.

To help alleviate the struggles of kababayans in the Philippines this time, Dineros and Jimenez are calling for donations to provide emergency aid and disaster relief for communities affected by COVID-19. With the help of the Rotary Club of Makati Northeast Philippines, all proceeds will go towards providing grocery packages (rice, canned goods, noodles) and sanitation kits (alcohol, soap, handwashing guide from WHO) for 100 families in Barangays 193 and 197 located in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The first phase of the collection is from April 8 – April 22, 2020, which aims to collect $520, enough to help 100 families. “We want to help out as many families and communities as we can, so we are reaching out to all of you to ask for your help in spreading the word.”

We do understand that not everyone has money and time to spare especially during this difficult time, so please know that any amount goes a long way and even sharing would make all the difference,” the organizers said.

Dineros and Jimenez wish to thank the Filipino community in Winnipeg, “Even though The Bayanihan Spirit is a small-scale fundraising initiative, the sheer goodness of the Filipino Community in Winnipeg has been overwhelming! We are definitely grateful for everyone who is supporting our initiative.”

To those who want to donate, please refer to the Call for Donations poster.

Photo courtesy: Kristine Jimenez and Jinalyn Dinero