filipino fundraiser
(From left) Filipino Association President Emilio Completo and Newcomer Welcome Centre Executive Director Icasiana de Gala

Residents of Southwest Saskatchewan came through with huge help for those affected by a disaster on the other side of the world.

Typhoon Haiyan struck the central Philippines in November, leaving thousands of people dead and entire communities in ruins.

The filipino community of Swift Current and the southwest came together to hold a fundraiser for typhoon relief, raising over $21,000.

"I'd like to thank the people of Swift Current and the whole community of southwest Saskatchewan for their generosity and overwhelming support," said Emilio Completo, President of the Filipino Association of Swift Current and Area.

Cypress Hills-Grasslands MP David Anderson passed along that gratitude through his colleagues in the House of Commons.

"Our government has been quick to respond, but the real story of compassion is found in communities across Canada," he said. "Emilio asked that I pass his sincere thank you on to the people of Swift Current and all of southwest Saskatchewan for their amazing generosity."

The money that was raised in the fundraiser was matched dollar-for-dollar by the Federal Government.