SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) – As Filipinos here in San Diego wait to hear from their loved ones, many are helping to gather supplies to send to their devastated homeland.
Danny Short is passionate about two things — his work and his family. Danny, who grew up in the Philippines, tried to reach is wife’s mother and brother for three days before finally getting in touch with them last night.
“I wish I could just fly there, but I can’t, so I really want to find ways to help them,” he said.
Danny says the roof of his in-laws’ home flew off as Typhoon Haiyan made its way through. But it’s the images showing widespread destruction that have inspired him to help by raising money doing what he does best — helping others get fit.
“We set a goal of $1,000, and with that we can buy 200 packets,” he said.
Those packets made of food and supplies are being distributed by a charity called Gawad Kalinga, which means “give care.” Danny hopes to raise money to fund those efforts by providing boot camp classes at his Sorrento Valley studio Fitness and Motion to people who pay $10, all of which will go toward the cause.
“The sooner the better. It’s urgent right now, he said.
The fundraiser will run through November, with Danny offering classes Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It’s a gesture he hopes will make a difference, no matter how small it may be.
“We could do nothing or we could do something, so this is a way we can hopefully bring back to them,” Danny said.
