This September, Northern Vietnam experienced its most disastrous typhoon in 30 years. Super typhoon Yagi. It caused massive damage to vital infrastructure, and it’s estimated that around 19 million people are affected by the destruction.

Last summer I had the privilege of being hosted and taught by multiple craftspeople around northern Vietnam. People who I have much to write about, and even more to thank for. After contacting those we could, almost all are safe, however the community in and around Sa Pa have been hit hard. People have lost their homes, loved ones and access to even the bare essentials. Tamay and and the beautiful Mien community around her are some of the finest craftspeople I have had the pleasure to meet. But above that they were some of the kindest people I’ve met. They rallied around me when I was unwell, and made sure of my safety and wellbeing throughout. Alongside the gorgeous H’mong families who hosted and taught me all I could have wished to learn.

Many of you reading may have gone travelling throughout these regions and experienced this yourselves. My quarrels with western (and specifically youth) tourism is for another time. But for now, I urge those who have, to give back to the people who guided and shaped you in your travels, even if it’s just by spreading the word. As here we are reminded that the devastating affects of climate change too, have their prejudices. Prejudices we often turn a blind eye to, sit in denial of, or even accept as a ‘sad fact of life’.

If you wish to support Tamay and her incredible community, then you can donate to fund her mission in rebuilding their livelihoods and providing essentials to those who have lost everything in this disaster. Or if you want to go even further, you can head to Tamay & Me and check out their gorgeous crafts, hand made entirely by the Mien artisans living in, and around Sa Pa.