Ocean Reef resident selling plants to help Filipino families rebuild after tsunami

Margaret Laundy said the charity event, to run Saturday and Sunday, would help those still struggling in the aftermath of the natural disaster.

“Thousands of Filipino families lost their livelihoods and homes,” she said.

Ms Laundy was moved to action. She held a garage sale in response to the disaster and said it was a life-changing event for her family.

“We’d never held one before but decided on a whim to hold a garage sale as a humble way to help raise funds. The community response was overwhelming – we raised over $10,000 in one weekend. I was so impressed and inspired.”

Since then, she has held several more garage sales and fundraisers, attracting a generous band of supporters.

She has been inspired and encouraged by local charity Buckets For Jesus (BFJ).

“My latest venture is a spring plant sale at 45 Randell Crescent from 7am until the last customer,” she said.

“Most plants have been taken from cuttings and lovingly nurtured before being donated towards the sale by members of the local community.

“I hope to raise at least $3000 to buy a house through BFJ to place a homeless family.”

She is also calling for sponsors to provide sausages, buns and tomato sauce for a sausage sizzle which will be provided along with cake and coffee for donations.

“The community of Ocean Reef and surrounding area are absolutely wonderful and deserve to be congratulated,” she said.