Anti-pork group joins relief efforts for Yolanda victims

In light of the devastation wrought by Typhoon Yolanda, the organizers of “Zumba Combats Pork” have decided to redirect the event. They believe that in times like these, the pork barrel scam should take a backseat to the more pressing problem of disaster relief. Renamed “Zumba Combats Yolanda,” the event will now be a fund-raiser for the survivors of the typhoon.
 
Originally conceived by the organizers of the Million People March in Luneta and the Porktoberfest as another fun-filled anti-pork protest for the fitness enthusiast, the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda has changed the tone and purpose of the event. The organizers have partnered this time around with the child advocacy group Para Sa Mga Bata Citizens’ Network (PSMB) and Operation Blessing in order to raise funds and donations for children-survivors and their families. This event is also being supported by Mercato Centrale and Alyanna’s Fitness Party.

Organizers said that a registration fee in the form of donations, either in cash or in kind, will be collected. These will be coursed through Operation Blessing. For cash donations, no minimum amount is required.  For donations in kind, however, they prefer the following:

• Medicines for both adults and children (paracetamol, anti-tetanus drugs, loperamide, oral rehydration salts, penicillin, ibuprofen, quinolones, sulfonamides)
• Bandages
• Rice in 1 kg packs
• Ready-to-eat food in easy-open cans or foil packs
• Biscuits
• Water-purifying tablets
• Bottled Water
• Flashlights and batteries, candles and matches
• Hygiene kits (soap, alcohol, tissue paper, feminine napkins, towels)

"Zumba Combats Yolanda is a venue for fitness enthusiasts to do their share in contributing to the relief efforts while engaging in their passion for exercise," said Ram Ramos, spokesperson for the event.  "Whether they like to dance to the latest pop, Zumba or Latin tunes, punch and kick to release stress, or simply be in a complete state of yoga zen, this event will allow participants to do it for the people of Tacloban, Samar and other devastated areas."

Zumba Combats Yolanda will be held on Saturday, November 16 at the Mercato Centrale in Bonifacio Global City. Registration starts at 3 pm with the actual event starting at exactly 4 pm. Details may be found on the events page. Hashtag for the event is #ZumbaCombatsYolanda.

For more information, contact Ram Ramos at +63 917 862 1627.

Press release and photo from #ZumbaCombatsYolanda organizers