Help Maya support Siargao, Typhoon Odette relief

13 donors

$3,808 raised of $10K

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Help Maya support Siargao, Typhoon Odette relief

Clancy Read is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Clancy Read.

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Hi, my name is Clancy Read. I'm Australian, and I currently live in Fiji and work in international aid/development. I lived in Philippines for 2 years (2010-12). Whilst there, I had the opportunity to meet Malaya Salas, a humble, "free spirit" soul who was one of 4 people at my wedding with my husband Daniel. She was our witness to ne of the most special days in our lives... she is incredibly important to me and to Daniel - as I imagine she would be to so many others who have had the opportunity to meet her!

For the past 2 years, Malaya (Maya) has made her home and community on the Island of Siargao. She created her life there, helping others as she found her own way. Over the years I have watched her grow her community garden initiative, organise book donations to bring joy to children's lives, and so many other community initiatives. Her love for her community in Siargao is endless.

Recently (starting Dec 16), Typhoon Rai (Odette) decimated the island. I searched for Maya, hearing nothing for days until, like magic, she appeared safe. She was lucky enough to get on a plane out of the island with nothing but herself and her passport. Most of these photos are her own, all photos provided by Maya. As she huddled in the bathroom, her home and the life she created blew away. She appears in the BBC footage (Minute 2:45) emotionally explaining how "the real pandemic is the lack of system"... "Help" in these times is challenging to say the least so it is up to us to help however we can.

This is the first time I have created a Go Fund Me, not the first time I have helped those in dire need though. After an emergency of this scale, time is precious. Basic needs are required first; followed by more specific needs that may include tools and timber to help shift people out of their tent/temporary shelter.

Logistics are complicated, which is why I will manage the donations (from afar) and Maya will manage the logistics, sourcing and delivery of essential supplies in person. Here is a list of things we are helping with at the moment:

Bulk water supply (plus containers)
Rice, rice and more rice (staple food 4-5 times a day in Filipines)
Powdered milk, dried food like pasta (spaghetti)
Tents (or tarpaulins), mosquito nets
Solar lamps/ torches
Canned goods (tuna, sardines, corned beef and other commonly eaten canned food)
Dignity kits for women and girls (which may include sanitary napkins, underwear, towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers, comb, plus more)
Water purification tablets
Sanitizer (alcohol)
Oral rehydration therapy (for diarrhea) and essential medicine like paracetamol
Soap
First aid kits
Tools and equipment (coconut timber, chainsaws and other building and clean up tools)

A minor part of the funds will be used for Maya to personally travel back to Siargao to deliver the goods at the first feasible date. There is no other option for getting supplies in and out.

Everything bought and distributed will be logged, receipted and recorded with evidence of its arrival. There are no "admin" fees or anything like that - this is direct donation to a resident who will coordinate on the donor's behalf.

On behalf of Maya and the people of Siargao - Maraming Salamat - Thank you so much! Every cent counts!

We are setting a goal of AU$10,000 (360,000 Filipino pesos) and I know we will get there!

All our love, Clancy and Maya.

MERRY CHRISTMAS xoxox