Netizens raise P148,000 for jeepney drivers affected by pandemic
You know how they say that not all heroes wear capes?
This has been one of the inspiring things that proved to be true during the COVID-19 pandemic as netizens raise funds for jeepney drivers affected by the health crisis.
In kind donations for jeepney drivers affected by COVID-19 pandemic | Source: Quarantine Tribute Tips (FB)
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of people their livelihood.
Some are lucky enough to shift to another job or business, while some have been forced to beg on the streets, like some Filipino jeepney drivers.
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But, there's a silver lining to the difficult situation that the world is facing, because many people have stepped up and awakened the spirit of bayanihan to help those who are in dire need during the pandemic.
Netizens who belong to a Facebook group called Quarantine Tribute Tips, lead by Ayla Conda of Muntinlupa City, have been able to raise 136,000 pesos as of June 24, 9:44 p.m.
On top of the funds raised, there have also been in-kind donations given by kind-hearted netizens, such as canned goods, face masks, and sacks of rice.
The said Facebook group was originally created to serve as a place where designated quarantine 'tributes' could share and ask for tips on grocery shopping, running errands, and cooking during the quarantine period.
But it has apparently transformed into a group where people can ask for donations for people most affected by the pandemic.
Ayla told GMANetwork.com that it was originally a personal initiative, but she eventually decided to share it in the said Facebook group.
“Sobrang overwhelmed na grabe akala ko may donor's fatigue na yung mga tao kasi naka ilang donation drives na kami, pero I was wrong. Mas lalong nagbabayanihan ang mga kapwa Pilipino natin ngayon panahon ng pandemic.”
So far, Ayla and her team have helped 100 jeepney drivers in Manila.
Ayla's group handing out relief goods | Source: Ayla Conda
Tatay Alberto, is one their first batch of beneficiaries, and he has received groceries, a phone, water jug, and a solar panel too.
Ayla and Tatay Alberto | Source: Ayla Conda
Ayla's team are planning to help more jeepney drivers, particularly 100 UP jeepney drivers and also drivers from Amparo, Caloocan.
The funds collected by Ayla's group will be used to buy relief goods, vitamins, and other needs of the jeepney drivers who have lost their capacity to earn ever since the quarantine has been implemented.
On her post, Ayla thanked everyone who donated and promised to help as much jeepney drivers as they possibly can.
Ayla thanks everyone who donated for the jeepney drivers | Source: Quarantine Tribute Tips (FB)
Many have lauded Ayla's team for their kindhearted initiative of helping Filipino jeeypney drivers and their families.
If you wish to contribute to their relief efforts, you may do so by sending your donations to the following:
BDO
Jotham Russel C Campo
0044 5066 4801
GCASH
Jonathan Campo - 0961 769 2456
Ayla Jean Ebay - 0916 761 3095
Likewise, the GMA Kapuso Foundation, with the help of the 7th Infantry Division and 48th Infantry Batallion of the Philippine Army and PNP, had also extended help to jeepney drivers in Pandi, Bulacan by donating Kapuso GCQ family packs to 1,700 individuals.
Truly, there's always hope no matter how desperate the situation may seem, and the human spirit will always be stronger than any disease or crisis.
For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.
For updates on the Coronavirus Disease pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine, visit GMA's COVID-19 page and ECQ page.
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