American Fire Fighter & Realtor SOS Over Seas
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I am reaching out to the world to help a dear American friend and his family who are facing an incredibly difficult and unusual situation as the result of the COVID pandemic.
The father “George” is a former volunteer firefighter and long-time REALTOR colleague. He relocated to the Philippine Islands in 2014 to pursue a career as an English language teacher. He has a wife “Jenny” and a five year old daughter “Saphira”.
George and I have been friends for many years...As a Dive Master, I have visited them in the Philippines a few times to enjoy some of the best reefs and beaches in the world. I was intrigued as to how George modestly acclimated his way into the Asian culture. I’ve always kept in regular contact with him and the family over the years.
As of the March 2020 COVID crisis threat, I began to suspect the beginnings of hardship for the family. Unlike America, the Philippines was placed into a strict, nationwide shut-down of schools, businesses and transportation. Borders between cities were closed several months allowing only substantially essential accessibility. The only government assistance they received was a bag of rice and $50 US a month...he supplemented that with his savings and on line teaching..that is gone now..
As a teacher, George’s work has been limited since March. He has been teaching on-line since April in addition to taking on virtual assistant jobs, but these seem to be limited. The family has been enduring an overwhelming share of isolation and limited means to survive- well beyond the help I’m capable of providing.
I’ve suggested he return to America alone to find work, but George is emotionally opposed to leaving his family behind and both his parents passed away in 2018.
This family needs help with the basics- food, shelter, utilities, etc. They would also appreciate any virtual online work available.
Please consider helping this family reach the COVID finish-line.
The father “George” is a former volunteer firefighter and long-time REALTOR colleague. He relocated to the Philippine Islands in 2014 to pursue a career as an English language teacher. He has a wife “Jenny” and a five year old daughter “Saphira”.
George and I have been friends for many years...As a Dive Master, I have visited them in the Philippines a few times to enjoy some of the best reefs and beaches in the world. I was intrigued as to how George modestly acclimated his way into the Asian culture. I’ve always kept in regular contact with him and the family over the years.
As of the March 2020 COVID crisis threat, I began to suspect the beginnings of hardship for the family. Unlike America, the Philippines was placed into a strict, nationwide shut-down of schools, businesses and transportation. Borders between cities were closed several months allowing only substantially essential accessibility. The only government assistance they received was a bag of rice and $50 US a month...he supplemented that with his savings and on line teaching..that is gone now..
As a teacher, George’s work has been limited since March. He has been teaching on-line since April in addition to taking on virtual assistant jobs, but these seem to be limited. The family has been enduring an overwhelming share of isolation and limited means to survive- well beyond the help I’m capable of providing.
I’ve suggested he return to America alone to find work, but George is emotionally opposed to leaving his family behind and both his parents passed away in 2018.
This family needs help with the basics- food, shelter, utilities, etc. They would also appreciate any virtual online work available.
Please consider helping this family reach the COVID finish-line.
Organizer
Marcus Shirley
Organizer
Norcross, GA
