A disaster relief fund has been set up in Oamaru to help people in the Philippines recovering from the ''monstrous calamity'' that was Typhoon Haiyan.
An estimated 10,000 are dead and another 2000 still missing following the typhoon which hit the central Philippines on Friday, and Rotary Club of Oamaru president Robert Gonzales, himself a Philippines expatriate, said he had already fielded ''a lot'' of calls from people wanting to help financially.
The club had made contact with another organisation in the Philippines, and could ensure that all funds would reach those most in need of assistance, he said.
''The immediate need for the disaster victims are clean water, food, medicines and shelter, and on behalf of the Filipino people I am appealing for help for the survivors of this monstrous calamity.
''The most effective way help can be provided from here would be by financial donation and the Rotary Club of Oamaru will operate as the collecting agency for all donations from the Oamaru community.''
He said people wanting to donate could do so at the Oamaru Hospital reception area, in an envelope marked ''for Disaster Relief - Philippines''.
''Every contribution counts, no matter what amount.''
Oamaru Filipino community elder Fely Parker said the 200-strong Filipino community in North Otago was also planning to help people back in their stricken homeland.
''We will be having a Christmas party in early December with the Filipino community and we will be doing some raffles to raise funds.
