A group of students at Merced College have started a fund for Philippine relief efforts. Mia Fleming was living on the island of Bohol in the Philippines a year ago. She started the fund-raising campaign on campus because an earthquake hit her former home two weeks ago.
Fleming explained, "At first you hear about the earthquake and how terrible it is and then on top of that to hear about the biggest typhoon in recent history to hit the exact same place. I just can't imagine what those people are going through - just the fear for their families."
Fleming's parents are okay in the Philippines. Mia wanted to raise money for water, food and shelter. She is a member of the school's International club, which has raised $1,100 for relief efforts.
Fleming said, "I know that every dollar is stretched in the Philippines and that whatever little we could it would be great to help them and hundreds of people could be fed by what we do in just two days here."
Bianca Munsayac also felt the need offer assistance because she grew up in the Philippines and still has family there. Munsayac said, "The people there even though they have very little, they appreciate so much and so the fact that the typhoon hit and they already have so little and they have to deal with a disaster I just really wanted to help a much as I could."
The club has been selling food to fellow students to raise funds which will buy food for families of a church Mia Fleming used to attend in the Philippines.
If you would like to donate to the Merced College Foundation "Philippines Disaster Relief Fund," click on the link below.
