Relief Funding Siargao Island

Hello friends around the world,

 

I've had the pleasure to spend almost 2 years of my life living on the beautiful island of Siargao in the Philippines. If you haven't seen the news, the Philippines has been hit with a super typhoon "Typhoon Odette". Within 24 hours this typhoon turned from a category 1 to a category 5 with winds reaching 300km/h leaving little time to prepare for the worst. Siargao Island is located right on the pacific ocean which was the first stop for this typhoon hitting the land. As of right now ALL wifi/cellphone communications. Haven't been in contact with anyone there for 12 hours so everyone safety and the damage this typhoon has caused is still very unknown.

 

It is killing me not knowing what is going on and not actually being there to help; so this is the only way I can think to help at this point in time. I would like to share a little story about the people of Siargao and how amazing they are.

 

Siargao is touristic island, therefore lots of locals feed their families with the money that is made from the tourism. When covid-19 hit there was little to no tourism for months which meant no income for a lot of the locals. During this time I had numerous locals offering to bring me into their home to feed me and make me feel like home. They were ready to give up their own meal so they could give it to me; seeing these lovely people have so little compared to what I grew up with in a western country yet still offer something to me with a smile on their face was one of the most wholesome things I've ever had happen to me.

 

These same people are now facing one of the most difficult situations they have ever faced. Having to rebuild their homes and start over with Christmas just around the corner. I know the people of the Philippines, they will rejoice together and come together for one another throughout these difficult times but I would like everyone to take a second a think if your family lost their home with unknown financial help to start over again, how would you be feeling? I know it's Christmas which means lots of "things" being bought for your own loved ones BUT the money you will spend on your morning coffee will give a family a meal through these unknown times. Anything helps and everything is highly appreciated! :)

I will be withdrawing the donations in my account then sending via TranserWise to group of people in Siargao to help with clean drinking water, food, and medical needs. Soon I will be back in the Philippines working directly on rebuilding the beautiful Philippines to what it once was. This includes building homes that are more self sustainable for the locals.. solar and rain runoff systems.

Salamat Karajaw!!!