Romblon-Typhoon Nona-Relief Fund

“Nona” the worst typhoon to hit the Province of Romblon, Philippines in more than 20 years made landfall last Tuesday, December 15. The larger islands were spared from damage but as news from Banton, Simara and Sibale trickled in and pictures of collapsed homes, trees torn by the roots and the dazed look of residents who suffered the ordeal began to spread in social media it became clear that these isolated islands suffered the full fury and might of the typhoon.
 
The residents of these poor islands who can less afford the ordeal of nature’s fury now must fight to survive and start the daunting task of rebuilding. As Christmas and the close of the year comes upon us, consider your blessings and put your life in the context of what hundreds of families must now endure. What are your worries, what are your troubles, how do they compare? This weekend as I thought about my holiday preparations, unaware of what was happening in Romblon, my biggest concerns were the presents yet to buy, my contribution to my parent’s Christmas dinner menu, and long travel to see family and friends. How foolish and how trivial my concerns were in the larger scope of suffering that others must endure and what can I do to change the condition of these people.
 
So for myself I decided to send some cash donations and sacks of rice to my friends who are now on the ground actively helping the people in desperate need. However, the need is too great that I am compelled to reach out to others to solicit donations. I have created a GoFundMe account where donations can be made by debit/credit card, all the funds collected will be sent to Sherryll Mindo Fetalvero and Lettie Festin Magango who are trusted and dear friends of mine. The funds will be used to provide food, clothing and shelter for those in most need. If you have any questions please ask, I will be posting links to photos of the affected areas and updates on our efforts. Please consider helping this cause, together all of us can make a difference in the lives of people.

Thank you,
   Fred