Ken is my Virtual Assistant (VA). Maybe you didn't know that in addition to my real estate brokerage, I also run a small employment agency for about 40 Filipino young people, to help them find employment with Americans, mostly other real estate people. Most of our VAs live in Cebu, Philippines. I am helping Ken to promote his fundraiser. I will be transferring 100% of the funds raised to Ken ASAP, as the needs are very urgent. I hope you will consider making a small donation so that he can help his friends and aquaintances who have been devastated by Typhoon Tino.

My name is Ken. Our province of Cebu was recently hit by typhoon Tino. The wind was not that strong, but it brought a devastating flood to most of the cities in Cebu that are in low-lying areas, and to those close to rivers and the sea. Many homes, work equipment, loved ones, and pets were washed away due to flash floods and landslides.

As of now, there are about 125 recorded deaths and 63 people missing. Many of those affected never expected this typhoon to be this destructive, especially since they have lived in these areas for more than a decade without experiencing anything like this.

I've seen on social media, a family of 13 lost in the flood, and a father that is the lone survivor of the family of four, losing his wife and 2 kids. It is also heartbreaking to see pets struggling to survive on the rushing waters only to not make it and get drowned or buried by mud. We desperately need help in this difficult time.

My family and our pets are safe, but some of our VAs, friends and their neighbors in a nearby city are among the most affected. They lost their homes, lost their work equipment, clothes, stored food, lost their loved ones and their beloved pets . It is painful to see them in such a difficult and helpless situation. I want to help them, but what I can give alone is not very much — which is why I am reaching out.

Their primary needs are drinking water, food, milk & diapers for their babies, clothes, blankets, medicine and cash assistance.

We are humbly asking for any assistance you may be able to extend. We are not asking much — just enough for food, basic supplies, and temporary shelter while they try to rebuild and recover. Another stronger typhoon is also expected to enter the Philippines this coming weekend, so any support would truly help them prepare.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this. Any amount — even a small one — would mean so much.

Ken