CULE Solidarity with the Philippines Campaign

One of our CULE members – Monica Urrutia of our Vancouver Office – is attending the Women’s International Solidarity Affair in the Philippines hosted by Gabriela Philippines – a National Alliance of Women’s Organizations from July 29th to August 5th of this year. The Solidarity Committee and the CULE Executive felt this is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate Solidarity with women and workers in the Philippines, so we are asking for your support. It should be noted Monica is NOT asking for any support for herself in this endeavour. Rather she has volunteered to take whatever medical and school supplies she is able on the flight with her on this trip. Additional supplies can be shipped to Manila.

There are several ways we can show solidarity. The priority materials needed are;

School Supplies

1. school bags for children

2. pencils, crayons

3. pens, erasers

4. toothbrushes, toothpaste

Medical Supplies

1. pain killers, antibiotics

2. vitamin supplements, ie. Vitamin C – E, Calcium, Multivitamins

3. medicines for fever

4. wound sprays for cuts

5. polysporin sprays

6. ointments

7. rubbing alcohol

8. anti-septic solution, purell anti-bacterial gel

9. phisohex soap

10. bandage tape, larger bandages (not bandaids)

These materials can be collected and sent to Monica at the Vancouver office or to the following agencies in the name of CULE Solidarity with the Philippines Campaign for forwarding on to the Philippines.

FOR Toronto – The Philippine Women Centre of Ontario at 1093 Davenport Road, Toronto ON. The office hours are 11 to 3 on weekdays but call first at 416-656-2660 or 416-878-8772

FOR Montreal – The Philippine Women Centre of Quebec at Suite 308 – 4180 De Courtai, Montreal, Quebec. The office hours are 11 to 3 on weekdays. Call first at 514-678-3901

FOR Ottawa – Supplies can be left with Arthur Carkner at the PSAC Ottawa Regional Office – Suite 101 – 15 Holland Ave. Ottawa, ON K1Y 4T2. the phone number is 613-560-2568

Financial donations can be sent via inter office mail to Sr. Monica Urrutia at the Vancouver office. Cheques can be made out to Sr. Monica Urrutia who will issue a receipt on request. Regrettably the receipts are NOT tax deductible.

Should you require additional information on this campaign please contact members of the CULE Solidarity Committee – Phil Trottier, Joan Ann Gravesande, Arthur Carkner and Monica Urrutia who would be happy to respond to your questions.

In Solidarity for the CULE Solidarity Committee, Philippe Trottier – Chairperson

UPDATE:

If CULE members wish to make a donation for medical supplies, one suggested way would be to buy a Shoppers gift card and send it off to Monica. These cards can only be used for supplies at Shoppers and she is prepared to purchase materials there.

For more information on the situation in the Philippines here are a couple of web sites to check out – www.stopthekillings.org and www.kalayaancentre.net