Giothon to raise funds for flood victims in the Philippines

‘Hakbang Buhay’, Walk for Life to take place on Friday October 9 at Safa Park, Dubai

In the wake of typhoon Ketsana ( Ondoy ), that has caused widespread  flooding, the loss of lives and rendered over two million people homeless in the Philippines, a fund raising event under the auspices of the Red Crescent Society – Dubai Chapter. Supported by the Philippine Consul General in Dubai and organized by the Philippine Business Council and Giordano. Giothon ‘Hakbang Buhay’, will encourage residents of Dubai to “Walk for a Cause” on Friday October 9 from 7 AM at Safa Park, in aid of the flood victims in the Philippines.

“When a part of the world is affected by such a  disaster, the rest of it also feels its pain,” said Benito Valeriano, Philippine Consul General, “ It is always encouraging to know that people still reach out, in their own special way, to help those in need. I would like to invite all the residents of the U.A.E. to join us in supporting the efforts of the Philippine Business Council, to raise funds for the flood victims in the Philippines.”

“There is a growing sense of responsibility among all of us here in Dubai, to do our bit to help the people of the Philippines to piece back their lives that have been turned upside down by this devastating typhoon,” said Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director of Giordano, one of the organizers, “Giothon has always been about giving back to the community and Hakbang Buhay is an opportunity to extend our support to the flood victims.”

“We have all been touched by this disaster in one way or the other, and being part of this walk demonstrates our support to those in the midst of the devastation that has caused a state of calamity in most of central Philippines. We thank all of those who have helped us put this event together and now call on the people of U.A.E. to drive this initiative further,” said Lucille Ong, Chairperson, The Philippine Business Council, Dubai.

Registration begins outside Safa Park, Gate No. 5 on Friday morning at 7:00 am.

All interested participants can register for the event by donating 50 Dirhams which will go towards raising funds for the flood victims. Registered participants will start the walk in batches from 8 am and the last batch will leave by 11.00 AM. The first 3000 registered participants will receive a free gift.

Additional donations from participants will also be accepted but restricted to cash donations only. All proceeds will go to the Philippine National Red Cross in the Philippines through the Red Crescent Society – Dubai Chapter.

Giothon ‘Hakbang Buhay’ is supported by Western Union, TFC-The Filipino Channel and the various Filipino community groups in the UAE.