Kumares, FYLPRO raise funds for Typhoon Odette relief
From Paranaque City, Philippines to Boston, Massachusetts, Kumares Cynthia Julaton and Gretheline Bolandrina have started a fundraising effort for relief operations to support families and communities in Bohol, Surigao, Dinagat Islands, and other provinces affected by Typhoon Odette.
“Kumare” is a Filipino term of endearment for a woman. It’s what one would call the godmother of his/her child. The term had Spanish origins, comadre, literally co-mother. Gretheline is the godmother of Cynthia’s daughter, Cristhia Unika.
The Kumaresare inviting their families, friends, colleagues, and communities to support relief efforts by donating money or dropping off in-kind donations (for locals in Paranaque City). Donations may be sent through the GCash app in the Philippines through Cynthia. In Boston, Gretheline can facilitate donations through Zelle, Venmo, and Cash app. The Kumarescreated a public Facebook group which can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1633295990349634
The Kumareshave teamed up with the Jacky Robert Foundation, Inc., (Belmont, MA) and the Simon Says Pizza Chef (Southbridge, MA) for fundraising, and also partnering with various charitable organizations such as the Holy Infant Jesus Parish (Paranaque City) and through the office of Fenina (Nenen) Rodriguez, former CFO in PNOC EDC to support ongoing relief operations.
“I thank the Almighty for generous people, God bless them more,” said Cynthia. “Great help being sent through Fenina Rodriguez allows for distribution of tarpaulins (bought in bulk, cut into 10-meter pieces given to families) where 70 percent of homes do not have roofs. There are even evacuation centers that do not have roofs.”
Gretheline added, “I appreciate that help is brought faster with donations sent through Holy Infant Jesus Parish and Rodriguez because they have boots on the ground to mobilize. Although Filipinos are known to be resilient, I am sure the community support, local and international will be a powerful force to rise over this natural disaster.”
FYLPRO raises $8,000
Another initiative has raised $8,000 for Typhoon Odette Relief. It was led by the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO).
Typhoon Odette also known as Typhoon Rai internationally, slammed into the country on Dec. 16-17, 2021, leaving more than 300 dead and impacting more than 700,000 people across the Visayas and Mindanao.
FYLPRO partnered up with the Ayala Foundation, Inc.’s direct relief efforts on the ground by raising money to help get food and water to the most devastated areas.
“This devastating typhoon has upended so many lives. We are all connected to someone impacted by Typhoon Odette. So we knew we had to help,” said FYLPRO 2022 President Leezel Tanglao. “We hope that the money raised by our generous donors will help our kababayans rebuild and recover.”
In December, FYLPRO launched a crowdfunding campaign which drew donations across FYLPRO’s alumni, members, affiliated networks and the general public.
FYLPRO 2021 President Louella Rose Cabalona secured a $2,000 match from Marie Cunning, a 2022 FYLPRO board member over the holidays.
“A big thank you to our FYLPRO family, our networks of friends, and our matching donor Ms. Marie Cunning for embodying the true spirit of bayanihan,” said Cabalona. “I commend the quick mobilization of our long-term partners Ayala Foundation, Inc in providing food, supplies and water to affected communities in Visayas and Mindanao. Through them, we are able to let our kababayans know that, in these difficult times, they remain in our thoughts and prayers.”
FYLPRO, a network of next-generation FilAm leaders who connect with the Motherland and foster collaborative relationships in support of the global Filipino community, is a program of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Ayala Foundation, Inc.
© The FilAm 2022
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