t’s been a cheerful season for Payatas Orione Foundation, Inc. (PAOFI) elementary and high school children as they each received a shoebox filled with school supplies from the “My Dream in a Shoebox” campaign.
Elementary pupils in Payatas receive school supplies through "My Dream in a Shoebox."
Organized by the Business Processing Association of the
Philippines (BPAP) and TeamAsia in partnership with the Armed Forces of
the Philippines and Children’s Hour for 2012, “My Dream in a Shoebox” is
on its fourth year and aims to collect 10,000 shoeboxes, 500 computers
and ₱2 million in funds for the benefit of disadvantaged children and
victims of Typhoon Pablo.
The gift-giving
activity, held in Payatas, Quezon City, was a fun-filled success. The
children could not get enough of the spirit of the season as they
enjoyed the company of volunteers—their ‘ate’ and ‘kuya’ for the day,
performed dance numbers, and lined up to take pictures with Mrs. Santa,
portrayed by TeamAsia president and founder Monette Iturralde-Hamlin.
“When we give something, we open our hearts and feel the joy of giving.
And when we receive something, we should become thankful and look
forward to pass our blessings to other people,” said Father Martin Mroz,
Executive Director of PAOFI. Due to financial constraints, Father Mroz
said they were unable to provide their scholars individual Christmas
gifts this year. “Thank God BPAP chose our foundation as a beneficiary.
Providing school supplies is a primary task of our scholarship
program.”
The PAOFI Scholarship Program assists
elementary and high school children from low-income families by
providing them with school supplies, uniforms, bags, shoes, and monthly
allowances. The children are given access to tutorial classes on
mathematics, English and computer literacy. The foundation also
administers health and nutrition programs.
“Our
goal for this campaign is to reach as many children as possible and
bring joy to more disadvantaged children.” said Geenette Garcia,
Assistant Executive Director of Children’s Hour, a fundraising,
fund-giving, and friends-raising non-profit organization. Children’s
Hour began in 1999 as part of a global campaign in the UK that called
for organizations and individuals to donate the last hour of their
salary for a good cause towards children. “Whoever you are, whatever
you’re doing, you can contribute towards changing the life of a Filipino
child,” Garcia said.
Surpassing its target, My
Dream in a Shoebox has collected 11,174 to date. “It will not end
there,” says Iturralde-Hamlin. “It is important for these children to
receive the attention and education they need to enable them to make a
difference in the world. And we intend to keep supporting this dream by
continuing to give and encouraging others to do the same.”
“BPAP’s member companies have been very supportive of the campaign,”
said Raymond Lacdao, BPAP executive director for industry affairs.
“Running with the campaign’s spirit of giving, they enthusiastically
gave their time and made their contribution in various ways. The outcome
has been very inspiring.”
For more information and to know how you can help, visit the My Dream in a Shoebox campaign online.
Press release and photo from TeamAsia
Press release and photo from TeamAsia
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