Monday, September 28, 2009

Land of disasters

No, we're not speaking of Toronto sports teams. I mean real disasters, natural disasters: hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, wildfires, and of course typhoons. No country that I know of is more afflicted by these things than the Philippines.

The Pilipino national anthem begins (in English) "Land of the morning", but I think "Land of disasters" would be a more accurate soubriquet. You name it, they've got it. Not just natural disasters but manmade ones, like ferry sinkings, too. Yet in the face of one calamity after another, Pilipinos remain, in my observation, cheerful and optimistic.

And they always manage to survive. The Philippines is a nation of survivors. But that doesn't mean they don't need outside help.

Right now Pilipinos are suffering from the worst flooding seen since the 1960s, resulting from a tropical storm which swept across the northern islands a couple of days ago. You've probably seen video clips on TV. If you would like to do something to help the 1000s of displaced and afflicted families, you can send a donation through the Canadian or US Red Cross.

Click here to visit the Canadian Red Cross's web page on Asian typhoons. You'll find a link you can use to make a donation online. The people of the land of disasters will thank you, and God will bless you for your charity.

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