Dear friends,
It’s been a tough few weeks because of the Covid-19 outbreak—I wish you and your loved ones are coping well and keeping safe. I understand we are all affected by this pandemic in varying aspects and degrees. Some of us are more privileged than most, and I recognize that I am one of those that have a more stable ground to stand on at a rough time like this. Let me fully disclose that I am scared to ask for donations, but here I am humbly requesting your help on behalf of a community that is close to my heart.
My mom is spearheading a relief drive in our home village through her non-profit mug museum House of Mugs. I am trying to help find donations so this can be achieved. Initial donations have been given but only to the medical personnel and front-liners, prioritizing food items and masks. I am currently my mom’s only cash donor—and honestly, my donations can only do so much.
Before I breakdown the plan, let me introduce you to Barangay Balingasag, a village in Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines.
My hometown, like the rest of the Philippines, is on a month-long lockdown (at least for now, but that could change) because of the outbreak. This is in accordance with the national government’s orders as they attempt to contain the spread of Covid-19. Malls and shops are closed, public transport is suspended and a mandatory 24-hour curfew (for citizens above 65 years old and students) is enacted.
Unfortunately, it’s the poor that are left to fend for themselves at a time when their movements are restricted and their resources are scarce. It’s heartbreaking to say this, but my country is not prepared for this pandemic (nor for calamities or actually a lot of other things, but I digress) and though it will affect every member of society, it will be the poorer sectors that will suffer the most.
In our village, there are tricycle (auto-rickshaw) and jeepney drivers, vendors, carpenters, and other daily-wage earners—and being on lockdown means they are not earning money to feed their family. This narrative is not unique to this community, but because I can’t help at a grander scale, I am trying to help my mom help our neighbors. But no matter how small this endeavor is, we still need all the help we can get.
My mom reached out to the village officials and asked for a list of families that would need immediate assistance. The minimum goal is to provide a relief pack for 130 families in the village; 100 of these families are indigents, and 30 are families of front-liners (30 village officials, village police and health workers) who are working long hours with minimal support from the government. We want to start by helping them one meal at a time, as we’re unsure of how much funds we can gather.
No amount is too small! Your HKD 22 can help us buy one meal for a family of 3-5 people.
To be able to give a one-meal pack to 130 families, we need to raise at least HKD 2,830. The plan is for me to receive the donations through my Hong Kong accounts and then wire the money to my Mom’s account.
Here are ways to send your donations:
FPS: 6350-4009
PayMe: payme.hsbc/hannahdormido
PayPal: PayPal.Me/hannahdormido
If you’d prefer a bank transfer, please reach out on WhatsApp (+852 6350 4009) or email me at [email protected] for the bank details.
We will aim to be as transparent as possible with the donations and the spending, as well as documents or photos of the actual relief drive. To start with, below is the estimate calculation of the cost of 130 food packs:
Receipts and other relevant documents will be made available in a Google Drive folder that I will share if this effort materializes. If you have more questions about this relief drive, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for reading through my plea. I will be very grateful if you can share any amount to this cause. Please take care of yourself and keep safe!
Yours,
Hannah