OFWs rally behind injured Pinoy rider in Qatar
Members of the Filipino community held a successful fundraising activity for an injured Pinoy bike rider in Doha, Qatar.
Rider Melvin Yadao is still recovering from a broken arm and ribs following a motorcycle accident last month.
Yadao accidentally ran over a gutter before the roundabout while he and his fellow bike riders were on their way home. He was immediately brought to the nearest hospital for treatment and remained there for about 10 days.
“Sumulpot tapos hindi na siya nakabawi tapos pumalo yung gulong niya sa gutter tapos nakita namin kung paano talaga siya umikot. Na shock talaga kami,” said Adrian Burcelo, a Qatar Pinoy Riders member.
The doctor who attended Yadao said that it would take around three months for his injuries to heal.
However, Yadao’s company did not shoulder his hospital bills. The Filipino community together with Pinoy and American bike riders immediately offered their help by conducting a fundraising activity for him.
Organized by Team Gorgatz and backed by Ako Taga Iloilo production and Beats & Bytes, the event aimed to raise money for Yadao’s medical treatment.
At least 25 organizations participated in the event including The Filipino Channel, journalists, photographers, restaurants, bands, vehicle dealers and the group of American expatriate iders.
Participating organizations were given envelopes for donations to Yadao’s medical treatment. The fundraising event generated more than 7,000 Riyals, which Yadao will use to continue his medical treatment.
The group went to Al-Khor and back to Losail International Circuit where they awarded a check with the signature of all participants to Yadao and his family.
“We put a fantastic fundraiser together. They gave us food. They gave us drinks to make sure that we are comfortable. It’s been a great ride,” said American expat rider Erick Bahn.
Yadao is grateful to the Filipino community and to all the people who have helped him and his family.
“Ako’y nagpapasalamat po sa kanila. Hindi ko po akalain na ganito yung mangyayari. Sana hindi na mangyari sa grupo namin ang ganitong trahedyo kaya doble ingat na sa susunod,” said Yadao. Report from Delfin Montenegro, ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau, Doha, Qatar
