Kickstarter

Manila, the city where I spent much of my childhood and where many of my family still reside (they are doing okay) is underwater after the worst flooding to hit the Philippines since the 60's.

Frustrated by the lack of good ways for those abroad to give money (most are *so* last century, like mailing a check or wiring money), I'm setting up this Kickstarter account to make it easy for anyone with an Amazon account to send money. In return, all backers who give at least one dollar will receive a thank you email from me, probably with a poem.

The proceeds will then be wired directly to a local group such as the Red Cross, the social advocacy (not evangelical) arm of the Jesuits in the Philippines or Catholic Relief Services (again, not evangelical - it's pure aid). I am researching organizations at this moment, but I understand that both the Jesuits and CRS have very low overhead, so most of the money will go directly to aid.

Thank you so much everyone for giving and for spreading the word.

Images from The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2009/sep/28/philippines-philippines

Photograph: Erik De Castro/Reuters