Waiariki Institute of Technology is rallying around its Philippine students and their country in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.
Waiariki has about 70 Philippine students studying in Rotorua and the institute has had international education links with the Philippines for more than 10 years. Waiariki currently has the most students from the Philippines of any tertiary education organisation in New Zealand.
Waiariki director of student and staff support services Richard Bird said it was obviously a difficult time for those affected by the devastating typhoon. Staff and students were being encouraged to contribute to Red Cross to support the relief effort and show solidarity during this time of great need.
"Some of our current students have been affected directly and we feel their anguish about what has happened in their home country and we want to help in some way," Mr Bird said.
Waiariki has flown the Philippine flag at half mast this week to honour those affected by the disaster and donation boxes have been set up across the institute's Mokoia campus by the Waiariki Institute of Technology Student Association.
On Tuesday next week the International Team at Waiariki will hold a sausage sizzle between 11.30am and 1pm to raise further funds. This event is open to the public.
The Rotorua Filipino community will hold a street appeal on November 29 and an auction/dinner evening on Saturday, November 30, at the St Mary's Parish School Hall from 6pm to raise funds. Organisers are appealing to businesses and the community to donate items that can be auctioned.
For further information contact Cherry Andrews (07) 348 9187.