Tokyo Olympics-bound boxer Irish Magno is doing her part to help poor Baguio residents affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Magno started by giving out free rice.

“Ginagawa po namin ito para po makatulong kahit sa simpleng paraan at mai-share ‘yung blessings sa ibang taong nangangailangan (It’s our own simple way of sharing our blessings to people in need),” said the 28-year-old female boxer, who secured her Olympics slot in the Asia-Oceania qualifying tournament in Amman, Jordan earlier this month.

Magno, the fourth Filipino athlete to qualify for the Summer Games, said it all started when she and her girlfriend Erny Ann Micua bought five kilos of rice and posted it “for free” on a buy and sell Facebook page. She was flooded by messages a few minutes later from people who haven’t received relief goods yet and have nothing more to eat.

That’s when the 30th Southeast Asian Games silver medalist decided she has to do more.

Magno said the measly P3,000 they have raised so far were able to help 33 families.

The Iloilo native said their goal is to distribute rice to 100 or more families.

“Marami po talaga ang mga nangangailangan dito sa Baguio. Wala po silang makain, walang mailuto at hindi po nila alam kung kanino sila hihingi ng tulong (There are many people here in Baguio who are in desperate need. They have nothing to eat and they don’t know where to seek help).”

Those interested to donate may reach Magno at 09566981405 or 09091805811. JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA