English professors Aimee Nezhukumatathil and Emily VanDette set up a fundraising campaign featuring children's art to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan.
Dr. Nezhukumatathil explained, "When our kids, ages 6 and 7 (buddies who live across the street from each other) heard of the devastation from Typhoon Haiyan, they wanted to know how they could help from their little corner of the world here in Western New York. We told Pascal that we were collecting money for the relief efforts in his grandmother's beloved homeland, and he thought if he enlisted the help of his friend (and artist-extraordinaire), Ellie, they could make some drawings of ocean creatures that are found in the Philippine sea as a way of saying Thank you to their friends who donate money.
"We are so humbled and grateful to have raised $2,635 as of 9 a.m. on Nov. 18. We will, as promised, send this full amount to the Philippine Red Cross. In an effort to support another avenue of recovery efforts in the Philippines, we have now decided to raise funds for ShelterBox. ShelterBox currently has teams working in the country, focusing efforts in three of the badly affected regions, including Tacloban, Cebu and Bohol. ShelterBox distributes these amazing boxes containing a tent that can fit 10 people, water filters, blankets, toolkits, children's comfort kits, stoves, cooking sets, mosquito nets and solar lights. One hundred percent of all the donations sent after 9 a.m. on the 18th will be donated to Shelterbox.
"If you donate $25 or more, we will send you a notecard set designed by Ellie and Pascal. Each illustrated 'seascape' note-card set is tied with festive ribbon and comes with matching 4x6 envelopes. Cards are blank inside so you can personalize a special message for any occasion."
