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UFO lends helping hand to Katrina victims
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Posted on Nov 18 2005
The United Filipino Organization last Thursday extended a helping hand to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in its continuing efforts to assist the unfortunate.
Led by UFO president Roland Pamintuan and Philippine Consul General Wilfredo Maximo, the organization presented a $500 check to American Red Cross-NMI Chapter director John Hirsh.
Also at the presentation were fellow UFO officials Ruby Pamintuan, Flor A. Miranda, and Corie Borja.
“We saw that there was some need to share assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and it’s also in response to a call from the Philippine ambassador to the U.S. and in cooperation with a request from the Philippine consulate,” Roland Pamintuan said. “We’ve been watching the news and its just tragic, so we felt that we need to contribute. It’s not much, but it will add extra mileage to them.”
For his part, Hirsh expressed appreciation to Rolando Pamintuan and the UFO for their generous contribution.
“I’m thankful for UFO and all that think beyond the local community and are willing to help those in need around the world,” he said.
“There’s a never-ending cycle of disasters,” Hirsh said, citing the recent earthquake in Japan, “and we’re worried for them, so financial support goes a long way to help those in need.”
The UFO president also expressed appreciation to all involved in their fundraising efforts, which proceeds also benefit local community projects.
“The money came from various fundraisers, mostly from the sports section and the UFO continuously holds fund drives that is not only intended for the American Red Cross but for the local community,” he said, citing that the UFO has also adopted the Civic Center basketball court and has taken responsibility to renovate, repaint, and keep the facility in good shape for the youth and other members of the community.
Meanwhile, Maximo thanked the Filipino community for opening their hearts and their wallets to the Katrina victims.
“I’m very grateful by the response of the community in efforts to alleviate the suffering of the victims of Katrina,” he said. “I’m hopeful that there’ll be more donations for the relief effort.”
