2015 HOT BOARD Nomination Statement

When Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda pounded the Philippines in 2013, I was 54, unemployed, out of money with a family to feed and had a 14 year old daughter to educate and bring up. The typhoon passed about 100 km north of where we live and we saw no adverse effect from it, unlike the many, many unfortunate people who suffered.

I was in quite a state of depression about my circumstances, so, with my families support and agreement, I jumped on my motor bike, taking a large portion of the remaining cash that we had and headed up to Panay (Central Philippines) to help those even less fortunate that we were. I was a stroke of fortune to meet a small group of Expatriates who were spending their own resources getting out to the people and offering help with shelter and assistance. This group was called PRAY. WOW, what an experience! People far worse off than I were were smiling and happy to see us! It was a tremendous boost to me personally and help me redefine my view of what needed to be done in the world. The basics in life are what is important, not the luxury’s we are all so used to.

I learnt very quickly, especially when digging a 10 Ton truck out of the mud because you “thought” you were going in the right direction, the value of up to date maps for a disaster area and I started looking around for options and stumbled upon HOT. What a surprise for me. WOW, again, I fell in love with the concept on the spot.

Fast forward until the present time frame, I am, what I consider to be, a very active part of the HOT community. I have actively contributed in Activation Coordination, HOT Mail List Management, multiple Working Groups as well as ongoing software Development.

I became a HOT Voting member very recently. I considered seeking nomination in 2014, but thought that I was quite “young” in the HOT community and wanted to gain more experience in the community ideals and operation before taking that step..

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