- M
Every November, before the Christmas season, my family spends one whole Saturday decorating our house. Each person is assigned a part of the house to decorate… my sisters, the stairs; my brother, the belen; me and my mom the tree; and my dad, the music. Ever since I moved here, I've sadly had to participate in this tradition over Skype. Nonetheless, seeing it when I come home to visit makes the trip all the more sweeter. This is one of my favorite memories in my home.
It is for these MEMORIES, and for the basic SAFETY and COMFORT of having a home, that I have started this campaign. I am raising money to build ONE home in the Philippines where Typhoons have destroyed robbed thousands of families of theirs. In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) alone left 200,000 people homeless.
(Photo Credit: World Vision)
Amidst the initial wave of international support, there is still much to be done. On our small archipelago, one organization has taken upon the challenge. Gawad Kalinga ("to give care") is a Philippine-based movement that aims to end poverty by first restoring the dignity of the poor. It has been two years and one of their many amazing programs has been the continuous holistic reconstruction (homes, job opportunities, and schools) of villages affected by major typhoons, particularly typhoon Haiyan and typhoon Ruby. You can read more here: Gawad Kalinga: Typhoon Yolanda Reconstruction
Gawad Kalinga (GK) built 3,000 homes in 2014 alone and aim for another 3,000 this year**. For my birthday this year, I committed to funding one. Each home costs Php 150,000 or approx. USD 3800 (including inflation and administrative expenses). You may read what is included in that cost here. I have set my goal to $4000 to account for the other fees associated with this fundraiser.
For me, it's not complicated. Amidst a dreadful winter here in Boston, I had a home that kept me safe and warm. Before coming to the USA, I had a home in the Philippines where my family and our loved ones slept, ate, talked, and grew old. I cannot imagine my life without a home and I don't believe anyone else should. Let's give ONE family an opportunity to eat, sleep, talk and look to the future with their loved ones.
(Photo Credit: Gawad Kalinga Boston Facebook Page)
**FUN FACT: This house will be part of GK Boston's "Boston Village" so if we raise more than $4000, it will go towards more homes!
Really appreciate your support! Wishing everyone more memories in their homes :)
It is for these MEMORIES, and for the basic SAFETY and COMFORT of having a home, that I have started this campaign. I am raising money to build ONE home in the Philippines where Typhoons have destroyed robbed thousands of families of theirs. In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) alone left 200,000 people homeless.
(Photo Credit: World Vision)Amidst the initial wave of international support, there is still much to be done. On our small archipelago, one organization has taken upon the challenge. Gawad Kalinga ("to give care") is a Philippine-based movement that aims to end poverty by first restoring the dignity of the poor. It has been two years and one of their many amazing programs has been the continuous holistic reconstruction (homes, job opportunities, and schools) of villages affected by major typhoons, particularly typhoon Haiyan and typhoon Ruby. You can read more here: Gawad Kalinga: Typhoon Yolanda Reconstruction
Gawad Kalinga (GK) built 3,000 homes in 2014 alone and aim for another 3,000 this year**. For my birthday this year, I committed to funding one. Each home costs Php 150,000 or approx. USD 3800 (including inflation and administrative expenses). You may read what is included in that cost here. I have set my goal to $4000 to account for the other fees associated with this fundraiser.
For me, it's not complicated. Amidst a dreadful winter here in Boston, I had a home that kept me safe and warm. Before coming to the USA, I had a home in the Philippines where my family and our loved ones slept, ate, talked, and grew old. I cannot imagine my life without a home and I don't believe anyone else should. Let's give ONE family an opportunity to eat, sleep, talk and look to the future with their loved ones.
(Photo Credit: Gawad Kalinga Boston Facebook Page)**FUN FACT: This house will be part of GK Boston's "Boston Village" so if we raise more than $4000, it will go towards more homes!
Really appreciate your support! Wishing everyone more memories in their homes :)