Donation drives in Las Vegas, other states for Sinlaku survivors get strong support

LAS VEGAS–Donation drives were conducted in Las Vegas, Nevada, and other states last weekend to support Guam and CNMI after Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s devastation in the Mariana Islands that left catastrophic damage on Saipan and Tinian last month.

In Las Vegas, over a hundred people, mostly Chamorros from Guam, participated in the “Wave of Relief” Marianas Donation Drive organized by the One Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Nevada on Sunday. The Island Comfort Restaurant also held a successful “Marianas Typhoon Relief Event” on that same day.

Marianas Press learned that donation drives for Sinlaku’s victims were held last weekend in Vancouver, Washington; Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, and other states.

At the “Wave of Relief” drive, people started coming past 3pm on Sunday to drop off non-perishable items at Bottega Exchange on South Tenaya Way. Many young people, mostly non-Chamorros who came from Saipan and Guam, volunteered to assist the community event.

Las Vegas and Henderson-based Chamorro vendors participated in the program. Attendees enjoyed some free food and live entertainment from CNMI and Guam singers. The Kutturan Marianas performed many cultural dances.

Gin Campo, a member of Haligin Marianas and one of the organizers of the event, said they partnered with their friends at One APIA Nevada to provide a wave of donations to their Marianas’ brothers and sisters that were impacted by Typhoon Sinlaku.

She said at the event they’re accepting donations for water, toilet paper, noodles, and other non-perishable items to provide some relief to the community back home.

Chamorro vendors, including those engaged in food services, also participated in the donation drive, said Campo, who owns food business Ginspired.

“This is a great event. This helps keep us connected to our community back home,” she said.

Campo said they partnered with the Micronesia Climate Change Alliance (MCCA) and that the collected items from the “Wave of Relief” and also from the other donation drive in Las Vegas, will be driven to Long Beach, California, where all the items will be put in a container to be subsequently shipped to Saipan through Matson.

Bounce Cruz, a public relations manager for Haligin Marianas, said the “Wave of Relief” is a donation drive for their brothers and sisters back in the CNMI, specifically those on Saipan and Tinian.

“We’re trying to be the one-stop shop for everything in all Chamorro Chamorro stuff, for Chamorro by Chamorro,” said Cruz, referring to Haligin Marianas.

Cruz’s message to the people on Saipan and Tinian affected by the typhoon is that Chamorros who are in Las Vegas and Henderson will do their best to help them.

Tonya Jae, a member of One APIA Nevada, said it’s such an amazing turnout to support the donation drive and that she is honored that their group was given a platform to host the event or a place to gather to help out and do something for a good cause.
Nadine Concepcion-Reyes, who was one of the singers at the event, said the donation drive is very important for her because they do have a family that are still in Saipan and on Guam as well.

“The people of the Marianas, the goods are coming so be prepared to receive these as they get there. We will continue to support as best as we can. Be safe and take care. Si Yu’os Ma’ase,” Reyes said.

Annamae Adaza, who was among the volunteers for the “Wave of Relief” along with her daughter, also disclosed that they separately raised $2,750 from Filipinos who came from Saipan and are now staying in Nevada and other states.

Adaza, a Filipino, said the money was sent to Saipan last April 22 to the Bayani Association, which in turn used it to buy rice, cup noodles, butane, canned goods, and coffee.

She said the first batch of donations were subsequently distributed to 100 families on Saipan who are in dire need.

“The people of Saipan are resilient. We’ve faced challenges before. As long as we help each other and show empathy, the struggles will ease. We got this, stay strong Marianas. All of us are praying,” said Adaza, who came from Saipan and just moved to Las Vegas two years ago.