A FILIPINO man and his wife from Bedford have organised a fundraiser for the Typhoon Haiyan disaster, dismayed to hear corruption is stopping funds getting to his home province.
Rhay Rom says his relations in Ormoc City and Merida were without food for five days and had their homes destroyed after Typhoon Haiyan struck in November.
Wife Mel says municipalities in the fourth district of Leyte, including Albuera, Kananga and Isabel, were slow to receive aid because they did not receive as much coverage in the media.
She claims the delay was exacerbated by corrupt officials in Ormoc, who re-directed donated goods to their friends and supporters.
All funds from the Raise the Roof concert will be used to purchase $77 shelter kits, made from corrugated iron and wood, for the homeless.
“It will rain every night in the Philippines until February, so it is important that we get these shelters over there as soon as possible,” MsRom says.
One month after typhoon Haiyan tore through six Philippine islands, the death toll stands at 5924 and 1779 people are still missing.
“We will distribute aid via the Kids Foundation and local senator Lucy Torres-Gomez, who I know is reputable and trustworthy.
“There are around 80,000 families in the fourth district affected by the disaster—it’s shocking.”
One month after typhoon Haiyan tore through six Philippine islands, the death toll stands at 5924 and 1779 people are still missing.
Local acts signed up to perform include Generation V, Little Black Dress and Alan Stewart.
Rhay, a full time musician, moved from Ormoc to Perth 25 years ago.
He met his then-to-be wife Mel in a karaoke bar, where they sang “Endless Love” and became inseparable.
In 2007, the pair established a system where people could donate sewing machines to the Philippines to help make clothes for the indigent.
There are now over 27 sewing machines centres across the country.
Raise the Roof will be held at the Bedford bowling club on December 20.
Contact Mel for tickets on 0409 117 822.
by STEPHEN POLLOCK
Perth Voice Interactive 
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