Relations affected by Typhoon Kammuri (Tisoy)

The Philippines have been hit by very strong typhoon Kammuri (Tisoy)

Today I’ve received this picture from my dad, Fred, and his wife, Bhem, who live in Cavite, Philippines.

It made me cry and I feel I have to do something.

Some of Bhem’s family have been affected severely.

Her sister, Lory, lives with her husband and 3 children on the island of Catanduanes, on the East side of the Philippines. She has an internet café, he is a teacher. They have lost their house, except for 1 concrete room, which they had managed to build with years of savings. The other rooms are all gone.

Don, Bhem’s brother on the island of Mindoro was similarly affected.Their house, where they live with 6, is mostly gone. They generate their income from the rice fields. It is very unlikely any of the crop survived this typhoon.

Both families urgently need help to restart their lives; access to clean water, a roof over their heads, a bed to sleep on, a place to cook,  etc.

It would be fantastic if you want to join in raising money for these two families and their communities.

The fundraising will be open till the end of January 2020. The funds will be used first to finance immediate needs, such as access to clean water, medical supplies, temporary shelter, and cooking facilities. Once these needs are met, we will look at financing the building of basic concrete structures to give future security. The help will be focused on Lory and Don but as in all small rural communities they will in turn help those around them.

Fred moved to the Philippines 20 years ago. I’ve lived and worked in the Philippines for 2 years.  Bhem is my very dear friend, lovely wife to my dad and a hard-working, successful florist in the wedding industry. My connection with the country is very strong.

As soon as the campaign donations arrive in my account after the ‘withdraw’ on the 23rd of December, I will forward* the total amount to a company account of Bhem Bodota Meijer, BFF Eco Farm. My father, Fred Meijer and his wife, Bhem, will forward 50% of the money to the account Lory Bodota and 50% of the money to the account of Don Bodota. Lory and Don are a sister and brother of Bhem. Lory lives on the island of Catanduanes and Don on the island of Mindoro.

Fred and Bhem keep a very close eye on the spending of the donations. It’s my priority the funds are used for its purpose; immediate basic needs & building of cement structures for future safety. 
Next July I’m travelling to the Philippines myself. My plan is to visit the islands of Catanduanes and Mindoro, so I can see for myself what has been created with the campaign donations.

*For your entire information, I’ve already arranged a reduced transfer fee for the international transfer from my bank account in Spain at the CaixaBank to the Philippines.