Hi, My name is Amanda and for a few very happy years I lived in the beautiful town of Jagna on the Island of Bohol in the Philippines.

This place that is like a second home to me, and home to many people that I love dearly, has been flattened by the Super Typhoon Rai (called Odette in the Philippines). People are without food, water, electricity and communications, and many people have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Sadly this is becoming too frequent an occurrence in the Philippines as climate change is leading to more severe storms.

We encourage people to give to The Philippines Red Cross who is coordinating the disaster response across Bohol, Cebu and other affected areas.

However we are also seeking donations to give directly to people on the ground who are in desperate need. I'll be working with my friend and former colleague to disperse the funds. My friend has extensive community development experience and has also worked on disaster relief programs for NGOs and the government and I have already trusted more than once with my life.

Help us help people who don't have the same protections that we do in Australia, but who nonetheless are always generous and ready to help others in need.