Many families are still trying to recover from the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, and any help given is greatly appreciated. From relief goods to cash aid and clothing items, donations were incoming from the government and the private sector. However, Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez reminds people to be more mindful about their donations.
Send Clean and Usable Clothing
The beauty queen shared photos of stained and ragged clothes that were sent to their donation drive and expressed her disappointment with the condition of some of the items. “Don’t donate clothes you won’t even wear,” she captioned the Instagram stories. “Hindi naman dahil walang wala na sila ay deserve nila ang basura ng mga tao… Sorry, pero yung ibang nakuha namin na donation sobrang dumi at butas butas na,” she added.
Donate Appropriate Clothing
While people may have good intentions with their donations, Katarina requests that people send appropriate clothing instead. In another story, she wrote, “Also, don’t donate your dirty panty or dirty underwear. If it’s not wearable (essential) clothes, don’t send it. Please donate appropriate clothing!!” These donation drives are not a dumpsite for old or unused clothing, after all.
Calls for Donations
The super typhoon hit several provinces in Vis-Min, including Leyte, Surigao, Bohol, and Cebu, affecting a total of 927,369 families, according to DSWD. Calls for donations are ongoing as these areas still lack necessities like groceries, water, shelter, electricity, and even fuel. Recovery from the damage could take longer, especially now that there’s still a pandemic.
Katarina considers Siargao her second home and has been living there since 2020. In August 2021, she gave birth to her first child with the island-based entrepreneur Niño Barbers. She’s been one of the celebrities that have helped with fundraisers and donation drives for Odette victims.
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Art Macky Arquilla