By Michael Soh
Thousands of shoeboxes filled with supplies to assist students with their education will be delivered to typhoon Hiayan affected youth and children in the Philipines, thanks to an initiative by Perth based charity organisation, Buckets for Jesus.
It’s been nearly a year since Typhoon Haiyan wreaked havoc and destruction to the Visayas region of the Philippines. The typhoon killed many and left thousands more homeless.
The catastrophe summoned a massive worldwide aid, with military, medical, and government personnel as well as thousands of charities and missionaries from all over the world touching down in Tacloban to bring relief and aid to the devastated city.
While education is free of charge in the Philippines, Buckets For Jesus co-ordinator Ruby Soh said many families live in extremely poor conditions.
“Many children don’t go to school because they can’t afford school supplies, never mind one meal a day. Hence, the objective of “Shoeboxes for Jesus” is to ensure they are in school next term.”
Mrs Soh went on to explain that the Shoeboxes for Jesus campaign started following the initiative of Nedlands mothers Raewyn Carter and Sherita Rodrigo, who were touched by the plight of children in Buckets For Jesus mission photos.
Mrs Carter and her sons had previous experience when they were living in Houston, Texas.
“Every Christmas the boys packed shoeboxes for homeless men with basic essentials. I thought it was a great idea and something the children could do for people less fortunate.”
Mrs Soh detailed that the main aim of the Shoeboxes For Jesus project is to supply the street children with their educational needs. Mandatory items for each shoebox were school supplies such as a notebook and stationary. Other items placed in shoeboxes varied, from clothes, toys and hygiene supplies.
Last year, the target of 1,000 Shoeboxes was supplied and distributed at an annual Christmas party for street children in the province.
The project is taking place once again with the aim of doubling last year’s amount. To date, more than 1,500 Shoeboxes have been packed with other donations into the sea container to be shipped to Cebu.
To find out more about Buckets For Jesus, email bucketsforjesus@gmail.com or visit www.bucketsforjesus.org.