COVID relief for Iloilo - Philippines

To all my lovely friends and family,

Many of us have been lucky enough to travel the world enough to open our eyes to the poverty and living conditions in many other countries and to understand just how lucky we are in this wonderful country we live in. As you know Jonel is from the Philippines, where he leaves a huge family, many friends and past colleagues that are currently facing a real threat of starvation. The country have faced extended lockdowns over the past 6 months with little to no financial aid. Many are unable to work and receive any form of income. These countries often rely on one or a few ‘bread winners’ to financially contribute and support large families due to overpopulation and fierce competition for work. Many of these people are out of a job with no hope to return to work in the foreseeable future. Not only food but essential medications are now a luxury that can scarcely be afforded.

Unfortunately current lockdowns are enforced with arrests and even shootings, meaning those who would normally beg and scavenge for food are too scared to even do this.

Jonel and I have been giving what we can as often as we can to immediate family but it breaks my heart that we are unable to support more people. I am reaching out for anyone who has the means and desire to help. I have started a go fund me page to raise anything I can that will be sent over to trusted family and friends who will distribute food such as rice, fish and vegetables, and help pay for essential medications for those in the community surrounding them who are in lock down and struggling to provide for their families. We cannot help everyone, but any extra we can do would mean the world to these people.

I understand that Covid has had a massive impact on absolutely everyone in the world, including many of us here, and that many are not in the position to help as they would like to. Please don’t feel obligated to if you are unable to, even just sharing this to help reach out to others who may be able to is huge. And for anyone around us here is Aus that are struggling, reach out if you ever need anything. We’re all in it together and we want to make sure all those we love and care for come out the other side of this.

Much love x