A POOLE woman originally from the Philippines was joined by family and friends to fundraise for those dealing with the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.

Zenaida Alonzo-Magsino, 39, from Hamworthy, took to Poole High Street with buckets to collect shoppers’ loose change for the DEC Appeal, which aims to provide aid to those who are in the worst-affected areas following the natural disaster and its aftermath.

She was joined by daughter, Lindzen, 12, and other Oxfam supporters from across the town to do their bit to help.

Zenaida, who has lived in Poole for the last 11 years, said: “We British-Filipinos want to extend our help, time and effort in helping those people who are affected by this typhoon.

“My daughter, Lindzen, has been collecting clothes and goods from people at her school, St Edward’s Roman Catholic Church of England School, and wanted to do her bit to help the community.

“Every day, we cry for the people who have been affected by the typhoon, and try to eat and use a little less than we need to so that we can learn to make sacrifices to help others.

“I used to work as a travel writer for the Philippines, and so I know these areas affected, and I really feel for them.”

Chris Babb, Oxfam local community fundraising manager for Dorset, said: “The funds raised from the street collection will go directly to help more than 11 million people affected by the powerful typhoon that has devastated parts of the Philippines.

“Damage to transport links and heavy rain has affected aid distribution efforts, but vital aid is beginning to get through as relief operations are stepped up.”

Help out with a donation

THE Daily Echo’s appeal to help those affected by the typhoon has so far raised more than £14,000.

To make a donation, you can send a cheque made payable to ‘DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal’ to the Daily Echo offices at Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, BH2 6HH or the Dolphin Centre, Poole, BH15 1SZ.

Alternatively, visit http://www.dec.org.uk, call the 24 hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900 or donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office.

You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.