JEDDAH, 6 December 2006 — If you have anything to donate to victims of Typhoon Reming (Durian), be it in cash or in kind, a foundation based in Jeddah is ready to accept it.

The Guhit Pinoy Foundation, in cooperation with the Al Hekma International School, volunteers of Al Bader International School, and the WRJ Freight Forwarders, has mobilized volunteers under its “Operation Tulong” program to collect donations and to deliver it to the Philippines.

Organizers of Operation Tulong said those who have no contact with GP volunteers may take their donations to the Al Hekma International School.

The school has agreed to serve as drop off point when the foundation holds its awarding ceremony there for its art contest tomorrow, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Nora Boquirin and Merlynda Espera, officers of the foundation, yesterday said most of the donations or pledges they have received consist of used clothing, blankets, noodles, and canned goods.

Donations of medicines for common illnesses in the Philippines are also welcomed, the organizers said.

Once the donations are packed, WRJ Freight Forwarders will take them to Manila and deliver these either to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) or the ABS-CBN Foundation, which are both involved in relief operations in places badly hit by the typhoon last week.

“Now that there’s a tragedy, we have to help in whatever way we can,” said William Jao, general manager of WRJ Freight Forwarders.

WRJ Freight Forwarders had also been actively involved in delivering donations for victims of the eruption of Pinatubo Volcano a decade ago, the deadly floods in Quezon province in December of 2004, and in other minor calamities over the past years.

A Guhit Pinoy volunteer from Al Bader International School said they are happy to receive any donation. Citing the importance of teaching the schoolchildren on the importance of sharing and giving in time of needs or calamity, Al Bader teacher Emy Edano said, “Even one riyal will go a long way.”

Al Hekma student council officers have been tasked to accept donations from their classmates.

The officers of the Bag-ong Bicol Saro nin Jeddah have also volunteered to accept donations.

For particulars, please contact Benny Boncalos, 05698-97416; Boy Jamoso, 05624-60787 or at (02) 673-7738; or thru Tonette Rodriguez at 05043-85229 or (02) 683-4974.