The organisation, Multicultural Assistance Task Force, headed by Fil-Aus community leader Dr Cen Amores was established on 10 June 2020 in response to the adverse impact of COVID-19 firstly to the international students and their families. Recently, it has extended assistance to kababayans in the Philippines.  
In Nov and Dec 2020, MATF sent five large boxes of assistance through the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines. 

"After the onslaught of Typhoon Rolly, MATF wanted to help out the survivors in Bicol. So I did a Google search on a possible partner NGO in the Philippines, I came across several prospects but I decided to contact AMRSP based on the information on its very successful long years of service to the vulnerable people in the communities. 

"Initially, I contacted Fr Angelito Cortez, Order of Franciscan Minor indicating MATF's interest to partner with them by providing logistical support for the distribution of our relief goods to the survivors of Typhoon Rolly. Two big boxes of blankets and comforters were shipped to Fr Cortes on 24/11/2020. This was followed by another 3 boxes of additional blankets and comforters with a combination of new and used clothes, on 10/12/2020. But due to lockdowns, it took awhile before the actual delivery of the boxes of goods actually reached the office of AMRSP in Quezon City. 

"Subsequently, I received instead a response from OdalieAdiao-Cortez, on behalf of Fr Cortez whose term as Executive Secretary of the AMRSP in the Philippines ended on 1 May 2021 and is now assigned by the Order of Franciscan Minor to the Congregation’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office in Rome. Odalie, now assuming as the Projects Officer of AMRSP, informed me that they were not able to send the goods to the victims of typhoon Rolly because of the ban on transportation travel to any part of the country as a result of the government instituted lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus. Odalie reassured me though, that all the donations are still kept intact in their AMRSP storage and because many local government units and more communities are more wary to accept clothing donations because of health precautions, she asked for my approval to donate the blankets and clothing to an AMRSP partner, the Parish of Sta Clara in Navotas who are helping vulnerable people in the parish. I granted them approval to their request."

 Odalie Adiao-Garcia, Projects Officer of AMRSP has submitted the report below to MATF head Dr Amores regarding the distribution of the assistance.

"On Saturday, 26 June 2021, Ms. Theresa Dollesin, AMRSP field staff and project liaison to the Sta. Clara Parish, also a resident of Navotas, sent a heartwarming message to the AMRSP Project team on  the reaction of those who received the gift-donation from the Multi-Cultural Assistance Task Force. 

"Alam nyo po kung nakita nyo sanayung actual reaction ng pinagbigyan, naku ma-touch po talaga kayo.

"Sobrang saya po ako nanaging bahagi akong pagmimigay ng AMRSP at Sta. Clara Parish.  Salamat po."

("If you only saw the actual reactions of the persons who received the gift, you would be deeply touched. I am extremely happy to have been part of the distribution of the gift-donation coursed through AMRSPand Sta. Clara Parish. Thank you so much.) 

"As of Saturday, 26 June 2021, the Parish of Sta Clara had distributed the gift-donation to 102parishioners with AMRSP directly handing the gifts to 25 of its partners-beneficiaries from the same parish. 

"Here are some of the pictures sent by Theresa Dollesin and the staff of the Sta. Clara Parish, capturing the touching and joyful moments of the elderly, widow, differently abled and orphans, who received the gift-donation shared by MATF with joy in their eyes and gratitude in their hearts."

Dr Amores, expressed thanks to all involved:

"May God reward you all with good health, long and productive life and continues to protect you from covid-19 and all other risks to your safety as you minister to the needs of our own people!

"In my capacity as the Founding Chairperson of Multicultural Assistance Task Force (MATF) words are not enough to express my sincere appreciation to all members of MATF namely: Kapit-bahayan Cooperative Ltd, Alliance of Philippine CommunityOrganisations Inc, Auburn Small Community Organisation Network (ASCON) Inc, FLAGCOM, Grace Church, Salon de Anne, Austral-Asian Financial Solutions, Super Save,  Sri Om Foundation, Crowe Production, Somali Welfare Culture Association, Iraqi Renaissance, La Sadi Accounting, Bosnian Seniors and Disability Association Inc, Multicultural Seniors Association NSWInc, Cumberland Tamil Society, Australia Middle Eastern Association Inc, Diompillor Kissia Association, Clothesline Inc, Church of Scientology and all our individual members, community volunteers and donors. Special thanks also to our friends in the Fil-Aus media who have continually encouraged and promoted our initiatives. Above all, to Dean De Haas, CEO of the  Auburn Youth Centre  for waiving the rent for the use of its facilities for our distribution of relief goods.

"Mabuhay tayong lahat na nagmamahal sa ating kapwa, lalo ngayong panahon ng pandemya!!! –

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