Typhoon Haiyan - Almost 2 Years On
Donation protected
Hello family and friends! As most of you know, I embarked on an extended trip to the Philippines back on Valentines Day 2014. I was originally supposed to be here only a month, but after experiencing life in this country and truly realizing the devastation this country endured, I kept extending my stay here and now it's been 19 months and counting. For the first time in my life I am waking up every single day and looking forward to the days challenges.
Just as a bit of background, on the 8th of November 2013, Super-typhoon Haiyan (category 5) hit the islands of Samar and Leyte. Almost 2 years on, All Hands Volunteers are still here and dedicated to helping the victims of Haiyan who are STILL suffering from the immediate effects of the disaster. The disaster that destroyed 1.1 million homes, 475,000 people are estimated to still be living in unsafe or inadequate makeshift shelters. They are considered highly vulnerable communities most at risk because their coping mechanisms have diminished and vulnerabilities have increased further. Many remain homeless and helpless, but not hopeless; relying on organisations like All Hands Volunteers to provide them with a home so that they can rebuild their lives once again.
Since February 14th 2014 I have been lucky enough to be involved in a number of amazing projects leading sites in school roof replacements, entire classroom rebuild, the construction of 120 Transitional Shelters, and now the largest project I have ever run by myself building four large units comprising of a Dormitory, a Office, a Clinic and a Study Centre, for a Norwegian oganisation called Streetlight Philippines Inc. (http://www.streetlight.org/).
Regardless of these achievements, and most important to me, I have had the privilege of being subject to some of the kindest people in the world. Despite many losing their livelihoods, family members and facing a constant uphill struggle against nature’s way, the people of the Philippines remain ever inspiring and through their sheer resilience never stop smiling. For the first time in my life I’ve really been able to make a difference with my construction skills. This place has enabled me to gather everything I have ever learned in life and put it to the test in ways you would not expect. I’ve never been so emotionally attached to anything, I’ve experienced so much here and I am ever grateful.
Ultimately, the reason I am still here is because every day I see the urgent need to continue to help the people who have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan. The same people that take care of us day in day out, look after us like their own, welcome us into their lives with open arms and give so much yet they have so little, it’s so inspiring!
My original fundraiser goal (£1500) was never actually met because my efforts to consistently update my whereabouts and activities fizzled out much to my own disappointment and I apologise for that. However, now that my workload has dropped I am ever determined to begin again and hit this goal! Your donations will go to those close friends and families of mine who too need help but aren’t eligible to the type of work All Hands does. You can only help so many, but I would like to begin some smaller projects of my own, most of which will start once I leave All Hands.
I already have a repairs lined up on a house owned by a very dear family I hold close to my heart, they treat me like their own and they are like surrogate parents, brothers and sisters.
Your help in actuality is configured to extend to all those that I will be helping. Your generosity will most definitely be multiplied by my greatest appreciation and theirs. I surely will, in my gratitude, extend your kindness as far as I can possibly take it. And for all of you that contribute, or even just curious of the project, I will be documenting my experiences thus far, as well as those to come, on Facebook as and when I get the opportunity, in hopes that it will make you feel a part of the help being done.
What I have learned whilst being with All Hands is how much of a difference we can all make when people pull together. To put it into perspective, the average salary here in the Philippines is about £5 a day. If you gave up a single pint you could pay the salary of a local carpenter and feed his family of 6 for a week.
I thank you in advance for any help or enthusiasm you may send my way. Generosity is contagious! And I'm really excited to continue paying it all forward :) All right! Sadly that is all I have to say for now ;) thank you so much again for your time!
And remember if you cannot contribute, it's okay. At the very least, please help spread the word. That is help enough :) thank you again so much! And I hope this reaches you all happy and well.
All the best, Mikee
Just as a bit of background, on the 8th of November 2013, Super-typhoon Haiyan (category 5) hit the islands of Samar and Leyte. Almost 2 years on, All Hands Volunteers are still here and dedicated to helping the victims of Haiyan who are STILL suffering from the immediate effects of the disaster. The disaster that destroyed 1.1 million homes, 475,000 people are estimated to still be living in unsafe or inadequate makeshift shelters. They are considered highly vulnerable communities most at risk because their coping mechanisms have diminished and vulnerabilities have increased further. Many remain homeless and helpless, but not hopeless; relying on organisations like All Hands Volunteers to provide them with a home so that they can rebuild their lives once again.
Since February 14th 2014 I have been lucky enough to be involved in a number of amazing projects leading sites in school roof replacements, entire classroom rebuild, the construction of 120 Transitional Shelters, and now the largest project I have ever run by myself building four large units comprising of a Dormitory, a Office, a Clinic and a Study Centre, for a Norwegian oganisation called Streetlight Philippines Inc. (http://www.streetlight.org/).
Regardless of these achievements, and most important to me, I have had the privilege of being subject to some of the kindest people in the world. Despite many losing their livelihoods, family members and facing a constant uphill struggle against nature’s way, the people of the Philippines remain ever inspiring and through their sheer resilience never stop smiling. For the first time in my life I’ve really been able to make a difference with my construction skills. This place has enabled me to gather everything I have ever learned in life and put it to the test in ways you would not expect. I’ve never been so emotionally attached to anything, I’ve experienced so much here and I am ever grateful.
Ultimately, the reason I am still here is because every day I see the urgent need to continue to help the people who have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan. The same people that take care of us day in day out, look after us like their own, welcome us into their lives with open arms and give so much yet they have so little, it’s so inspiring!
My original fundraiser goal (£1500) was never actually met because my efforts to consistently update my whereabouts and activities fizzled out much to my own disappointment and I apologise for that. However, now that my workload has dropped I am ever determined to begin again and hit this goal! Your donations will go to those close friends and families of mine who too need help but aren’t eligible to the type of work All Hands does. You can only help so many, but I would like to begin some smaller projects of my own, most of which will start once I leave All Hands.
I already have a repairs lined up on a house owned by a very dear family I hold close to my heart, they treat me like their own and they are like surrogate parents, brothers and sisters.
Your help in actuality is configured to extend to all those that I will be helping. Your generosity will most definitely be multiplied by my greatest appreciation and theirs. I surely will, in my gratitude, extend your kindness as far as I can possibly take it. And for all of you that contribute, or even just curious of the project, I will be documenting my experiences thus far, as well as those to come, on Facebook as and when I get the opportunity, in hopes that it will make you feel a part of the help being done.
What I have learned whilst being with All Hands is how much of a difference we can all make when people pull together. To put it into perspective, the average salary here in the Philippines is about £5 a day. If you gave up a single pint you could pay the salary of a local carpenter and feed his family of 6 for a week.
I thank you in advance for any help or enthusiasm you may send my way. Generosity is contagious! And I'm really excited to continue paying it all forward :) All right! Sadly that is all I have to say for now ;) thank you so much again for your time!
And remember if you cannot contribute, it's okay. At the very least, please help spread the word. That is help enough :) thank you again so much! And I hope this reaches you all happy and well.
All the best, Mikee
Organizer
Mike Hill
Organizer