Musical family boost Filipino charity (From Messenger Newspapers)

Funds raised for Philippine Outreach Centre with concert at the Upper Room Christian Fellowship, Bowdon, Trafford

12:00pm Friday 11th May 2012 in Hale & Bowdon

A FILIPINO Von Trapp family, the Perillos, has come to Bowdon to give concerts for a charity started by their mother, Chrissy Hailes Perillo, 29 years ago.

Former Altrincham Girls' Grammar pupil Chrissy, aged 50, said: “I and my seven children, two of whom are fostered and one adopted are all musical.

"The children, aged 5 to 22 sing and play drums, keyboard, guitar and bass. ”

Last Saturday, they performed at Chrissy’s home church, the Upper Room Christian Fellowship where she married Dondie, a Filipino, in 1988. Chrissie also gave a talk.

When Chrissy arrived in Subic in the Philippines for, she thought, 10 months, she was asked to attend Jail No. 164.

“There was so much injustice,” she said.

“Children were kept in prison because their parents were there.

“They had no food or education. Adult prisoners would share their rations but welfare was non-existent.”

After fundraising in England, Chrissy rented a derelict hospital and nursing school and opened up an 85-place children’s home – the Philippine Outreach Centre - for prisoners’ children.

A 160-pupil school, the Philippine Outreach Academy, now provides a Christian education for pupils aged four - 18 from the home and neighbourhood.

“They’ve done well. Some of our teachers grew up in our children’s home. One ex-pupil works for Rotary Club International,” said Chrissy.

A 17-strong group from St Mary Magdalene Church, Sale, has just returned after decorating both centres.

* To donate or sponsor a child, go to www.philippineoutreachcentre.com . For information about the music group (in Trafford until July 1) telephone John Lee 0161 976 3079 or 07748 482 261.