The Philippine consulate has issued a warning to all Filipinos against donating to unverified fundraisers that may be taking advantage of the recent tragedy in Canada. The consulate has urged the community to exercise caution and only donate to legitimate and verified organizations.
The tragic incident in Canada, where a Filipino family of four lost their lives in a car accident, has deeply saddened the Filipino community. Many have expressed their desire to help and show support for the family and their loved ones during this difficult time. However, the consulate has received reports of fraudulent fundraising activities that are exploiting the generosity of Filipinos.
Consul General Maria Andrelita Austria emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of fundraising efforts before making any donations. She stated, “We understand the desire of our kababayans to extend help and support to the family affected by this tragedy. However, we must be vigilant and ensure that our donations are going to the right hands.”
The consulate has also urged the public to be cautious of online fundraising campaigns, especially those that do not provide clear information on where the donations will go. Consul General Austria advised, “Do not be swayed by emotional appeals or pressure to donate immediately. Take the time to research and verify the legitimacy of the fundraiser before making any contributions.”
In addition, the consulate has also reminded Filipinos to be mindful of their personal information when making donations. Scammers may use this opportunity to collect personal information and use it for fraudulent activities. It is important to only donate through secure and trusted channels.
The consulate has also provided a list of legitimate organizations that are accepting donations for the affected family. These include the Canadian Red Cross, GoFundMe page set up by the family’s relatives, and the Filipino community organizations in Canada. Consul General Austria assured, “We have thoroughly vetted these organizations and can guarantee that your donations will go directly to the family and their loved ones.”
The Filipino community in Canada has also joined forces to raise funds for the affected family. Various fundraising events and initiatives are being organized to show support and help alleviate the financial burden on the family. The consulate has commended these efforts and encouraged everyone to participate in these legitimate fundraising activities.
The consulate has also reminded Filipinos to be mindful of their actions and to not take advantage of the tragedy for personal gain. Consul General Austria stated, “Let us not forget the sensitivity of this situation and the grief that the family is going through. We should not use this tragedy as an opportunity to exploit the generosity of our fellow Filipinos.”
In this time of tragedy, let us come together as a community and show our support and compassion for the affected family. Let us also be responsible and cautious in our actions, ensuring that our donations truly go to those in need. The Philippine consulate has always been dedicated to serving the Filipino community and we will continue to provide assistance and guidance during this difficult time.
We must also remember that the best way to honor the memory of the family is to extend help and support to those who are truly in need. Let us not allow scammers and fraudsters to take advantage of our kindness and generosity. Together, we can make a difference and show the world the true spirit of bayanihan.
In conclusion, the Philippine consulate has warned against donating to unverified fundraisers that may be exploiting the tragedy in Canada. Let us heed this warning and be vigilant in verifying the legitimacy of fundraising efforts. Our donations should go to those who truly need it and not to those who seek to take advantage of our generosity. Let us continue to support and show compassion for the affected family and their loved ones during this difficult time.
