A Wyndham Vale family is celebrating the return of their mother from the typhoon-stricken Philippines.
Reina Salvo Nelson, 58, had been visiting relatives in the Philippines coastal town of Carigara and planned to go to the hard-hit town of Tacloban when Typhoon Haiyan struck on November 8.
Her family spent several days worrying about whether she had survived.
The mother of six escaped the typhoon and fled the ruins of her homeland to return home on Sunday night, daughter Jenny Stewart said.
“We had a sleepless night talking to mum after she got back about what she saw.”
Wyndham groups are already fund-raising to help the shattered nation. The Wyndham Migrant Hub is calling on all migrants to help rebuild the Philippines, while the Jesus is Lord church in Wyndham Vale is organising shipments of donated clothing and non-perishable foods.
Pastor Paul Palis said some of the church’s 120 mostly Filipino members were still unsure if their relatives were safe.
The church has received no news about a sister church of the same name in Tacloban. Mr Palis said people must remember the Philippines’ rebuilding would be a long-term project.
Migrant hub spokesman Sonny Villagonzalo said all migrants in Wyndham, including 4000 of Filipino background, were being asked to help.
“We ask them to help the Philippines now and some day we might help them,” he said.
Mr Villagonzalo said the migrant hub was organising a “Because We Care” concert at St James Apostle church in Hoppers Crossing on December 22.
» To help the migrant hub, call 0432 066 505
