Last week Hedge End born Jane Walker was named a Woman of the Year for her work with the Philippine Community Fund which Jane founded in 1996. But the connection between Hedge End and the charity is closer than that as although Jane is now based in Manila her sister, Ange, lives in and runs the UK side of the charity from Hedge End.

The Philippine Community Fund (PCF) provides healthcare, education and skills training to some of the poorest Filipino communities.

In amongst the slums and squatter areas are three schools – including one created from recycled shipping containers. Healthy meals for the pupils help address the problems of malnutrition and clinics are on site providing medical care.  For adults there are literacy classes, sewing and electronics courses, and training in jewellery making – many of the final products of which are sold through the charity to raise funds.

But Jane is very keen to stress that while the work goes on in the Philippines, it couldn’t be done without the work and support of Ange and volunteers here in Hedge End.

Jane and Ange left the town when young – although not such a developed town back then. Jane says she remembers ‘the flats where the Hedge End shops are now,’ and that ‘Hedge End and West End were separated by fields! We were surprised when we returned in 2004 to see how the gap between the two villages has almost merged them together.’

Jane left for Manila in 2006 but Ange stayed on after returning to Hedge End overseeing the day-to-day business of the charity here, and running the Philippine child sponsorship programme as well as organising fundraising, including recycling initiatives.

Jane says, ‘The charity first started in Gloucestershire, but since we relocated back to Hampshire the work has flourished and the local community have been incredibly supportive. Residents have volunteered and local businesses and schools have helped us fundraise.’

With future aims for the charity including plans to introduce an infant feeding programme and a team to help repair shanties to improve living conditions and health generally funds and volunteers are always needed. The PFC website has details of how businesses, other organisations and individuals can help with fundraising and work out on the ground in the Philippines.

But there’s also the opportunity to support the charity nearer to home. In Hedge End volunteers can help with basic admin duties, are needed to price products made in the Philippines for resale, to help with table top sales, and with collecting items to be sent over in one of PFC’s 40ft containers. For more information write to The Philippine Community Fund, P.O Box 294, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 2YD, phone 01489 790219, or contact Ange on ange@p-f-c.org.uk.

The Women of the Year Lunch and Awards, this year held on 12 October, was founded in 1955 to ‘provide a celebration of women’s achievements, and an environment in which outstanding winners might meet and inspire.’