The Wanaka Filipino community has rallied together to support local couple Jhufel and Rita Mangubat in their time of need.

After having stereotactic radiosurgery on January 14, Jhufel suffered a brain hemorrhage and was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital. He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit, at a cost of $8000 a day.

Jhufel has worked at Wanaka New World for nearly five years on an interim Visa while awaiting a Work Visa. On the day following his first surgery, Jhufel found out his Visa application was denied. 

He and his wife are now responsible for the full cost of all of his medical treatment. 

The couple’s flatmate Liezelle Ferrer is helping them face the challenge of finding the money to pay the hospital bills.

(From left) Johanson, Mark, Daimler, Liezelle, and Jay

“It's really bad timing,” Liezelle said.

Liezelle recently helped organise a three-day sausage sizzle raising approximately $1800. She has printed and distributed posters explaining the tough situation the Mangubats find themselves in.

Other friends and family also got to work trying to raise money. They have a Givealittle page, a Facebook page, and Rita's sister started a Go-Fund page in Australia. So far they have raised nearly $30,000.

Combined fundraising has raised almost $30,000.

Liezelle is gratified by the huge show of support they are receiving. “A lot of people are helping,” she said.

She said one woman at a sausage sizzle at Wanaka New World realised she didn't have her wallet, so she returned to the customer service desk the next day with an envelope of cash.  

Liezelle is also impressed by how willing people are to help spread the word. A few have told her that they have shared her post on the Upper Clutha Trading Post site, and "one guy from QLDC asked me for one of my posters so that he could put it up in the office".

If you would like to help, visit the Givealittle page here.

PHOTOS: Supplied