When a string of powerful typhoons tore through the Philippines this year, flattening homes and displacing thousands, one Melbourne barber decided to pick up a basketball to make a difference.
“We had just returned (from the Philippines) in June after spending five weeks visiting family, and seeing the devastation was heartbreaking. We knew we wanted to help – the challenge was finding a way to bring the community together. Basketball felt like the perfect way. It’s one of the cornerstones of Filipino culture. No matter the weather, we always find a way to play,” said Damian Lai, founder of Empire Barbershop and School of Barbers.
The result is Hoop for Hope – Philippines Relief Charity, a community basketball event set for Saturday, 22 November 2025, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Healthy Futures Hub Basketball Court, 2/151 East Road, Seaford.
The event is free to attend, with donations accepted on entry. It aims to raise $20,000 to provide urgent relief and rebuilding assistance for families in the hardest-hit regions of Cebu, the Bicol Region, and Northern Luzon.
Uniting for Relief and Rebuilding
The Philippines has faced a series of destructive storms in 2025 – including Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino) and Super Typhoon Fung-wong (Uwan) – which brought torrential rain, landslides, and widespread flooding across multiple provinces. Communities in Central Visayas and Northern Luzon saw homes swept away, schools destroyed, and families left without food, clean water, or electricity.
“Our goal is to spread awareness about the ongoing situation in the Philippines, a nation full of heart and resilience, but one that often lacks the resources and support to rebuild quickly. We want to show that from Australia, we can stand together and make an impact,” Damian said.
Where the donations will go
According to Damian, “Our relief efforts will focus on the hardest-hit areas, including Cebu, Bicol region and Northern Luzon. We’ll be working directly with local churches and schools to ensure all donations go straight to families in need. 100% of all proceeds will be donated. My team and I plan to travel to the Philippines in the coming weeks, at our own expense, once it’s safe to do so, to personally help distribute aid and provide hands-on support.”
He added that the funds will go toward “immediate relief such as clean water, food packs, hygiene supplies, and clothing, as well as rebuilding efforts for local schools, homes, and community facilities.”
To ensure transparency, “we’re using software to track all funds and will be documenting the entire journey to show where every donation goes.”
Basketball and bayanihan
The event will feature around four community teams, sponsor stalls, and a community barbecue, with participants drawn from the local area.
“We’re still finalising sponsors and welcoming any local businesses who’d like to be part of the event,” Damian said.
Within just 24 hours of launching the campaign, the Hoop for Hope fundraiser had already reached more than 50,000 people online and was shared over a hundred times – a reflection, Damian said, of how strongly the Filipino-Australian community responds when help is needed.
He added, “While it’s early days, the feedback has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many sending their best wishes and encouragement for the event. This cause means giving hope back to the people who’ve lost everything. It’s not just about raising money, it’s about standing with our Filipino brothers and sisters when they need us most.”
Track record of giving back
Empire Barbershop has a history of community involvement. Damian shared, “One initiative we run year-round is Project Brotherhood, which supports mental health. Through this, we’ve donated over $5,900 by giving $1 from every haircut at Empire Barbershop to Movember. We’ve also held full donation days where 100% of proceeds went directly to mental health organisations.”
A shared mission
Although Damian himself isn’t Filipino, his wife and business partner is. “I’m not Filipino myself, but my business partner at Empire Barbershop and wife is Filipino, and I’ve spent a lot of time in the Philippines with her family. The (Filipino) community has always welcomed me like one of their own, so helping in times like this feels personal.”
He continued, “We visited many of the affected areas in May and June, including Cebu, El Nido and more.”
For those who can’t attend, donations can still be made through the GoFundMe page. Local businesses are also encouraged to get involved as sponsors or contributors.
Event details
📅 Saturday, 22 November 2025
🕐 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
📍 Healthy Futures Hub Basketball Court, 2/151 East Road, Seaford
💛 Free entry – donations accepted on entry
🎯 Fundraising goal: $20,000 for Philippine typhoon relief
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hoops-for-hope-philippines
For sponsorship: https://au.movember.com/team/2441923
Contact: Damian Lai, 0452 448 309
Instagram: @empirebarbershopau
