TORONTO

Mayor Rob Ford urged Toronto residents Tuesday to donate to the relief effort in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

“I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the people of the Philippines, especially in the areas affected by this terrible typhoon,” Ford said in a press conference in the mayor’s office.

“Toronto is home to a large population of Filipino-Canadians who contribute to the diversity that makes this city so special. When tragedies like this occur, it is felt right across the entire city,” he said. “The thoughts and prayers of all Torontonians are with those affected by this disaster.”

The typhoon struck the Phillipines on Friday. The official death toll was 1,774 as of Tuesday, but that number is expected to climb.

“The relief in the Philippines is desperate — they need your support, it is urgent,” Ford said. “I encourage everyone to contribute what they can to the Red Cross with their personal donations.”

Ford said he had personally donated $500 to the relief effort.

“Let’s help these people out now,” he said.

Filipino-Canadians in Toronto sprung into action soon after the typhoon hit, collecting money, food and clothing in churches.

Don Quilao, from the Filipino Catholic Charismatic Prayer Community, spoke with reporters after a private briefing Tuesday with federal cabinet ministers Joe Oliver and Rob Nicholson, where they discussed Canada’s ongoing role in disaster relief.

“They’re doing everything,” he said. “We’re feeling it, that the Canadian government is still with us.”

Quilao said while the immediate need for food, water and medicine is high, there will need to be long-term efforts to repair damage caused by the typhoon.

“All the infrastructure, even the telecommunications, the power, they are really devastated,” he said.

— With files from Reuters