Many of you may have noticed more members of the EEMEA team than usual have been sporting dodgy facial hair this month (the most astute of you will even have noticed mine), which can only mean it is Movember. Whilst traditionally this annual event raises funds for prostate cancer, given the recent events in the Philippines we have decided to support a fund-raising campaign for the Haiyan victims.

Filipinos have long accepted that natural calamities are a regular occurrence back home. But the extent of the devastation from Haiyan is unparalleled. Speaking as a Filipino, my family, friends and I all know someone who has lost something - or even worse, someone.

Chris, Ruwan and I have set up a JustGiving page and we "mustache" you to donate to this worthwhile cause. All proceeds are channelled to Disaster Emergency Committee, which is an alliance of charities (incl Red Cross, Oxfam, Save the Children) moving aid to the areas affected. DB will match up to GBP 9k.

There will be a number of events across London over the next month to raise money for aid and reconstruction - charity dinners, auctions, club nights, pub quizzes. If you are interested in any, just let me know. My sincerest thanks for your support, it's very much appreciated.