WHEN the news of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines broke, there is no one at Hawthorn who felt the shock and distress more than youngster, Alex Woodward.
The 20 year old’s mum and family live in Mindanao in the south of the Philippines - so when he heard the news his heart sunk.
Luckily his mum and his family, including grandparents and cousins were unharmed and their homes safe but that wasn’t the story for many.
“They didn’t have much time to brace for it by reports but I’m just lucky none of my immediate family got hurt,” he said.
“I was pretty happy mum was okay but on the other hand devastated by what happened.”
Woodward has had his share of bad luck, enduring two knee reconstructions in his first two seasons since being drafted in 2011 but that’s nothing compared to the devastation seen by those affected by Haiyan.
The typhoon was one of the strongest storms ever recorded and caused waves and winds that easily flattened the homes of many and destroyed trees, wildlife and infrastructure.
It has killed more than 5,000 people.
He knows first-hand the affect it has and will have on the lives of those who have lost their homes, many of which he says would have easily been destroyed.
“Most of the Filipinos living there don’t have the best sort of housing,” he said.
“Houses over there are built pretty lightly, they’re called nipa huts – they’re made out of a certain type of stick that is easily affected by wind and water. They just go straight through them.
“We’ve seen houses just destroyed, buildings destroyed and even boats washed up on shore.”
He hasn’t heard much from his mum due to damage to electricity but luckily their home is safe.
“Hearing from her is a bit hard,” he said. “(But) by all reports they’ve just got a bit of cleaning up to do but she might know some friends that have been severely affected by it.”
Woodward is passionate about generating funds to help assist with aid work and has already donated to the UNICEF Typhoon Haiyan appeal with a view of making sure the funds assist young children, particularly so close to Christmas.
It is estimated that the category five typhoon has affected the lives of more than five million children
“I think most of the children would just wish for some stability with their parents,” he said of why he donated for children.
“Funds would provide stability and health for the families affected, especially the kids that are over there now.
“It would make sure a big difference to everyone in need.”
Join Alex Woodward and support the Philippines by donating to the relief effort today by visiting the UNICEF website.
Funds donated to UNICEF will help emergency response distribute food, water, health and hygiene kits to children and their families.
