Dear Friends,

On the 16th of December, Category 5 Typhoon Odette struck the central and southern regions of the Philippines, leaving in its wake countless families without proper shelter, electricity and water. The devastation and impact of this natural disaster is nothing but real and painful, and like other families outside of the Philippines we held our breaths while waiting for some type of contact from our family members back home to let us know they were safe.

We were blessed to learn that none of our own had been hurt, but were horrified to learn that one of our family homes had been absolutely destroyed in the aftermath of the typhoon. The house that my Mother and her family grew up in was completely unrecognisable in photos we received from family. Roof gone, the inside completely flooded, the belongings of my family and over 45 years of memories and value destroyed. We are also yet to receive further information about the safety and status of my Dad's family. My heart hurts, and to be honest with you all I am still in shock. There has been this sense of dread as we await further updates and developments on this situation.

With this, on behalf of my family, I am asking for your help. We have estimated damage costs to reach the tens of thousands, and truthfully any monetary help would be the biggest blessing, especially during this time of year meant for love and joy. Donations would go to providing basic necessities to our loved ones like food, water and shelter and the rebuilding of our family home.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for any help you give, it takes a lot for someone to have the compassion and love in their heart to be willing to help others, especially people they might not know. I am eternally grateful to you.

Nina