(L-R) David de los Reyes of the Filipino Student Council of NSW, Rene Cabrera, APBC Director and Managing Director of San Miguel Yamamura, Curtis Alejo of Gawad Kalinga NSW and APBC President Eduard Alcordo.
The Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) has launched a Filipino Students Hardship Appeal to help sustain efforts undertaken by the Filipino-Australian community and student organisations supporting those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Partnering with Gawad Kalinga, a reputable community development organisation and registered Public Benevolent Institution in Australia, the appeal is raising funds to provide essentials to vulnerable Filipino students not benefiting from the relief programs of major education providers.
“The community and student groups were quick to come to the aid of those facing unexpected financial difficulties because they do not qualify for government support measures. These challenges will persist for 6-12 months; we’re calling on the business community to pitch in to help sustain the wave of support,” said APBC President Eduard Alcordo.
APBC members were among those who hastily mobilised their resources to provide emergency assistance to Filipino students.
Michael Gillis, APBC Vice President for WA and CEO of Castleglen Foods donated food hampers worth $12,000. Alex Sy of APBC VIC and Founding President of the Cebuano Association of Australia in Melbourne, spearheaded a fundraising appeal which provided 120 students with grocery vouchers as well as cold weather clothing for those facing their first winter in Australia.
APBC member San Miguel Yamamura, through Managing Director Rene Cabrera, kickstarted the appeal with an initial donation of $5,000.
The APBC is also developing a digital Job Board matching employers with vacancies with Filipino students who have lost their casual or part time jobs.
Support the APBC Filipino Students Hardship Appeal
Help Vulnerable Filipino Students to Cope with the COVID-19 Crisis:
Many Filipinos enrolled in private colleges, TAFEs and vocational training institutes are undergoing unexpected hardship during the pandemic crisis. Majority lost the jobs they have to help support their studies but they do not qualify for Centrelink assistance nor any of the government support measures. Many are without accommodation. They’re not able to return home because of the travel ban.
Please donate now. It will take a few moments of your time, but it’ll make a real difference to Filipino students who are struggling to meet the essentials.
Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible. APBC’s fund raising partner is Gawad Kalinga (To Give Care) Australia (GKA), part of the reputable community development foundation and independent NGO with a 21 year history. GKA is a registered Public Benevolent Institution with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission (ACNC) and has Deductible Gift Recipient status with the Australian Taxation Office.
DONATE NOW
SAFE AND SECURE
Click the amount you would like to donate to start the process in a safe and secure payment portal.
Alternatively, you could deposit directly to the bank account below:
Bank account name: Australia Philippines Business Council
Bank: Westpac Bank
BSB: 033 000
Acc num: 224 830
READ: APBC-GKA supporting Filipino international students with a new relief program
