Helper fired for getting sick in Hong Kong: Help Rona continue to financially support her children
Fundraising campaign by
Rona Banzon Sevilla
-
HK$11,800raised of HK$5,000.00 goal goal
Campaign Story
Rona was recently forced by her employer to sign what we believe is an illegal contract, saying that she quit, will not be entitled to pay for the 27 days she worked for this new employer, and that she must also pay a financial penalty for 3 extra days and for a broken blender (the employer ransacked her belongings and stole her last 1000 HKD to satisfy this). Her belongings were thrown out of the house without so much as a plastic bag to put them in and she didn’t even have money for bus fare.
I know Rona because she used to work for my friend Yuyi who lived in my building, but Yuyi has since moved back to China and so Rona found this new employer. Rona was previously a finished contract and had been working in Hong Kong to support her 4 children back in the Philippines. The new employer, refused to allow her to take a 30 minute break between her working hours of 630am to 930pm to keep in touch with her children.
The argument that led to the above mentioned “break of contract” was over Rona's health. She became ill but forced to work, however she begged her employer to let her clean the house with a mop or a broom just while she was sick (she is required to clean the house 3 times a day by hand), because being so close to the chemicals made her physically ill and caused her to repeatedly throw up. When the employer said no, Rona finally said it’s not acceptable, she must rest- which resulted in the employer drawing up the contract, insisting she sign it, and refusing to give her a copy or let her take a picture of it. Rona has stated she signed it under threat and duress.That was on the weekend. The following day, Rona was hospitalised with various tests run to rule out a stroke and required to stay overnight. Although she was recently discharged, she’s facing a lot of uncertainty, including imminent deportation.
Thanks to the incredible Hong Kong Moms Facebook community, Rona has been in touch with two organisations which have been guiding her through this situation and it looks like Rona may actually have the opportunity to stay and fight.
Another huge thank you to the Hong Kong Moms group for suggesting this fundraising initiative for Rona - I have set the goal to cover the monthly earnings she was entitled to and expecting to receive, much if not all of which she would then send back to support her family back home. Please note any donations will go directly to Rona. Also, just to be clear, hospital bills and airfare are expected to be covered by the Philippines Consulate.
Lastly, we just want to say how grateful we are for your time, consideration and support.
Kind regards,
Jodi and Rona
PS For those that would like to donate to organisations that help helpers in these situations, please consider the below link for donations to HELP Domestic Workers and MigrAsia/EmpowerU.
Organizer
- Rona Banzon Sevilla
- Campaign Owner
Donors
- Bryan Monsod
- Donated on Jul 22, 2023
- Anonymous
- Donated on Feb 16, 2023
- Anonymous
- Donated on Apr 12, 2021
No updates for this campaign just yet
Donors & Comments
- Bryan Monsod
- Donated on Jul 22, 2023
- Anonymous
- Donated on Feb 16, 2023
- Anonymous
- Donated on Apr 12, 2021
- Anonymous
- Donated on Apr 05, 2021
- H
- Donated on Apr 04, 2021
- Anonymous
- Donated on Apr 03, 2021
- Anonymous
- Donated on Apr 02, 2021
- Kirsty Wardlaw
- Donated on Apr 02, 2021
- Claire
- Donated on Apr 02, 2021
Evil triumphs when good people do nothing. Jodi so inspiring. Stay strong Rona!
- Anonymous
- Donated on Apr 01, 2021