Dean Russell joined the charity 'The Greg Secker Foundation' (GSF), which has spent the past few years building an entire village in the middle of the Filipino jungle to provide homes for people who lost their homes in the devastating Typhoon Haiyan just four years ago.
Dean Russell has been actively involved with the charity, joining several missions to the village over the past year and was this week honoured to be part of the handover festival at the village.
Dean shared a personal video from the jungle this week on social media which we have shared below for you. The photos below are taken from the ceremony and village launch where Dean worked with the GSF team and other volunteers to welcome beneficiaries into their new home with essential gifts.
In addition to the video, Dean added:
"It's hard to put into words the mixed emotions from this week. The people in this village have suffered the loss of so much over the past few years, so now, to be able to play a small part in giving them hope for the future is just overwhelming. It also goes the show that even the most impossible dream can be achieved. The Greg Secker Foundation have literally performed miracles making this village a reality. Their leadership to make a difference every day to the one hundred families here is awe inspiring.
I look forward to supporting GSF far into the future as these houses turn into homes for all of the beneficiaries, and as the village becomes a community. Congratulations to GSF for making the world a better place and giving hope of a positive future back to so many families."
Children awaiting the opening village opening ceremony for the handover of homes to beneficiaries
Dean Russell with former Miss Earth on screen at the village opening ceremony
Multiple-time former world Boxing champion Nonito 'The Filipino Flash' Donaire Jr giving an inspirational speech at the Greg Secker village opening ceremony
Dean Russell with charity supporters including multiple-time former world Boxing champion Nonito 'The Filipino Flash' Donaire Jr, Rachel Donaire and Hollywood Actor, Dr Winston George Ellis following the village opening ceremony.
Photograph of attendees at the village opening ceremony including senior Philippine government officials and local government officials from Lemery.
Greg Secker and his family with children from the village following a choral rendition of local Filipino songs