We’re trying to raise $5,000 for Typhoon victims in the Philippines.
Before I tell you more, let me tell you why.
I’ve always dreamed that my blog would be more than the accumulation of hits or shares. Sure, having numbers is great. We can all agree on that. But ultimately, my highest hope for wadebearden.com, is that it somehow makes a difference. I want us to learn and grow together. I want us to change the world. Even if it’s only a little bit.
Not too long ago, my wife and I thought of a crazy, outrageous idea. Why don’t we raise $5,000 for the people of the Philippines who have nothing? We couldn’t stop the thought from rattling around in our brains, so we just went for it.
We decided that if we’re going to fail, we’re going to do it in a spectacular way.
I still remember the mud-clumped streets of the Philippines when I visited six years ago. In one small village a group of kids asked me for my name. When I said, “Wade” they looked like they might jump out of their skin.
“Dwyane Wade, basketball superstar?!”
Who was I to squash their dreams?
“Yes. Yes, I am.”
A couple of days into the trip I bumped into a group from Convoy of Hope, an organization bringing aid into the country. They were there, toiling, years before any signs of Typhoon Haiyan.
That same summer, on a mission’s trip halfway around the world, my wife Priscilla met up with another Convoy of Hope team handing out food and medical supplies to hurting people. They were everywhere. All at once.
Through the years I gave periodically to Convoy of Hope. A group I worked for even paid for a mobile command trailer used when natural disasters like Joplin and Hurricane Sandy hit the States.
When it came down to partnering with an organization to raise money for the Philippines, the answer was easy. Convoy of Hope all the way.
As I type out this post, over 5600 people have lost their life as a result of Typhoon Haiyan. The sad part is, the carnage isn’t stopping anytime soon. Thousands of people are struggling to rebuild the shacks they call home, find their next meal, and desperately locate sources of clean water.
As people are fighting to survive, crime is surging. I didn’t realize this until a few days ago, but during catastrophes like Typhoon Haiyan, sex trafficking hits record highs. Parents are either dead, off looking for food, or desperate for any way to feed their family. Evil flourishes during devastation.
Like many of you, I can’t go to the Philippines to help. But we need to do something. We have to do something. That’s why the blog, in conjunction with Convoy of Hope, is kicking off Beat the Typhoon. Our goal is to raise $5K in one week, starting today.
I would encourage all of you to give something. $10 will feed a child or adult for a month. I spent more than that at Wendy’s yesterday (In one sense, I will be working it off for the next month). We all have expenses during the Christmas season, but everyone can spare a couple of bucks.
Here is the link for our donation site (www.stayclassy.org/beatthetyphoon). NONE OF THE MONEY GOES THROUGH ME. Every dime is immediately deposited to Convoy of Hope’s account.
Thank you for your contribution. Before you go back to Facebook and Twitter, will you do me just one more favor? Will you share Beat the Typhoon with your friends? The more we get the word out, the better chance we have at reaching our goal. The more personal the post, the better.
Thanks friends. I cannot say how much I appreciate your comments, shares, kind words, and now, support for the Philippines. Now, let’s Beat the Typhoon.
-Wade and Priscilla Bearden
Here’s the donation link again: www.stayclassy.org/beatthetyphoon
