Victoria's Filipino community is rallying in support of victims of the two Nepal earthquakes that have devastated the region over the past two weeks.
Locals are hosting a $15 eat-in or take-out dinner at the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre (1709 Blanshard St.) this week to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross to help victims.
“We identify with their loss and pain. It is our turn to help,” said Laila Pires, spokesperson for the Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society.
The first 7.8-magnitude earthquake — becoming known as the Ghorka earthquake — struck on April 25, and has claimed the lives of more than 8,000 people.
She noted that the second deadly 7.3-magnitude earthquake, which struck on Tuesday 150 kilometres from Kathmandu near the town of Namche Bazaar, makes the recovery effort more urgent and the need for donations more dire.
The dinner is Friday, May 15 from 5 to 8 p.m.