Painting Workshop with Heart of Play

Even with just a few days into the holiday season, a lot of events had already seen kids and volunteers gather for special activities. Another distinct one awaited the kuyas and ates at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church Gymnasium last December 5.

Around 20 kids from the community’s special education program assembled at the spacious venue for a unique set of festivities with A LOT of volunteers. Aside from U!’s own volunteers, the event was graced by students from Immaculate Concepcion Academy (ICA) and Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC). And as if that wasn’t enough, a group called SKD Academy was gracious enough to participate through their feeding program prepared for the kids.

The kids were accompanied by their parents as they were grouped with the enthusiastic teens, as well as the willing adults. After a few minutes to get to know each other, the event got right to its main activity – the Art Workshop.

Ate Blanca once again took front and center for U! Happy Events as she instructed the kids, with the assistance of their kuyas and ates, in making their own sponge-painted Christmas Tree. From a blank canvas, the Christmas spirit sure became evident through the kids’ colorful creations.

After the painting activity, The Heart at Play Foundation guided the entire group in an indeed unique and enriching exercise. The Heart at Play is a group that aids the special needs community through their own Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). Led by their eager instructors, Heart at Play got everyone moving and strutting to upbeat songs. But it wasn’t just a dance routine. The whole exercise made use of ropes and puzzle mats to encourage movement in the special-needs kids to aid develop their sensory and motor skills, among others. It was for sure an exceptional activity that was both fun and beneficial.

The groups soon gathered for a much deserved lunch care of the people from SKD Academy. After an animated group picture, the kids received colorful story books as memento for the day’s activities.

It is always encouraging to see this many people gather for a volunteer event. Thank U! to all who became part of it.

Teresa Completes Skydive in Aid of Children’s Charity

Sainsbury’s employee Teresa Phizacklea admitted to being a little bit scared when she launched herself out of a plane at 10,000ft in aid of a children's charity (Rainbows Children’s Hospice).

But the 53-year-old daredevil, who jumped at Langar Airfield, enjoyed her tandem experience despite the temperature up high being minus 28 degrees Celsius.

She said: “This was something I was really determined to do. I’m glad I’ve achieved it and am very pleased to have raised around £800, which has surpassed my original target of £500.”

On the morning of her jump, Teresa was supported by a work colleague, two friends and a regular customer to the Nottingham Road supermarket where she works. She was inspired to take on the challenge to support her store’s yearly fundraising efforts.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has donated in the shop and online” she said.

“I didn’t suffer any injuries apart from a small infection but it was worth it. I’d definitely do it again but in the summer as it was a little bit chilly.”

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Source: http://www.meltontimes.co.uk/

Ate Angelita Christmas Celebration with Gentle Hands

Young people continue to be one of the pillars of our success in reaching out to children. Case in point is Ate Angelita Bonsilao’s sponsorship for a Christmas event with adorable children of Gentle Hands. Despite a minimum budget, we assisted in making this event a reality. Three other young individuals from our volunteer pool joined in the fun last December 21.

After dividing them to groups of 5 and getting to know, I got into a series of games with our kids and volunteers. The first one we had was one of our popular ones, Inside Out sitting version. Using a Hula Hoop and a series of categories, participants race to put themselves first either inside or outside of the Hula hoop. Too much excitement as scores tallied and teams going for first to reach two points.

Next we had Christmas symbols, I remember playing this game with friends’ Christmas parties and it was a hit. In this game we encourage teams to be more creative in executing their own version of symbols without separating their hands from each other. The Kuyas and Ates did a superb job in making sure children listen and put together their ‘masterpieces’. I like in particular how they showed Lechon.

The last game before gift giving was Doctor Quack Quack. We had the core team take turns to jumble up the groups in the hopes that it will take time to be corrected by their Kuyas and Ates. This one turned out to be quite competitive and entertaining to see. For list of games you wish to play with your own circles, you can see them here. :)

Thank you once again to Ate Angelita and friends for sponsoring!

Variety, the Children’s Charity Helping to Get Kids in the Dentist Chair

WINNIPEG — We all know that going to the dentist is important.

But here in Winnipeg, there are hundreds of kids who are lacking the dental care they need.

A joint program started by Variety, the Children’s Charity and the College of Dentistry at the University of Manitoba are doing their best to change all that.


“It was the brainchild of the division of pediatric dentistry here and Variety to serve one of our most vulnerable populations,”says Dr. Tony Iacopino, Dean, College of Dentistry. “Many of the children and their families are in economically disadvantaged circumstances that makes it difficult for them to access dental care.”

Almost every Friday on the Bannatyne campus, the college welcomes kids to its dental outreach program. This year there are fourteen schools participating but in previous years there’s been as many as nineteen, all of them from the inner city.

Each year anywhere from twelve to nineteen schools participate in the program.

This year more than 4000 kids were screened from kindergarten to grade six, with 900 of them needing immediate treatment.

“Some problems are active infections and severe pain that need to be treated right away.” said Iacopino. “Other types of things can wait a little bit longer and we work those children into the program as we have availability. But everyone that requires some form of treatment gets treated.”

Some of the students who come in to the clinic have really had no education about dental hygiene up to the point they see their first dentist.

“I mean we even see kids that you ask them do you own a toothbrush and you’ll see that some kids don’t even own a toothbrush,” said Omar Mohammed, Pediatric Dental Resident. “And if you don’t own a toothbrush what are you brushing your teeth with?”

Children are missing school due to the pain. They aren’t sleeping, and they just can’t concentrate on their school work.

“Those are all tremendous problems across the globe right now and particularly in Manitoba,” said the Dean. “We think we’ve been able to make a really big difference for our community.”

Through the years Variety has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the program, with the benefit more far reaching that just the students.

“I think what’s really special is that is provides treatment to kids that otherwise wouldn’t be able to receive that care because they might not have dental insurance,” said Dr. Mohammed. “At the same time it also allows dental students that clinical experience.”

It’s not just the kids who are leaving the clinic all smiles. Parents are also thankful for what the program provides.

“It’s a big relief that the school can bring them to the dentist and it’s just easier,” said parent April Stacey. “I know a lot of parents and we are all grateful that Variety has selected our school for it and my daughter was able to come to the program.”

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Source: http://globalnews.ca/

Kuya Bryan Celebrates with Children’s Joy Foundation

Christmas has always been a wonderful time for friends to come together, catch up, and just bask in the joy the season brings. A lot of friends come together and do house parties, or reunite at posh restaurants, and there are some, like kuya Bryan’s barkada, who choose to bond and spend time together along with the underprivileged kids in our country. This has been a yearly tradition for them to connect with kids and share their blessings, and this year we were privileged to be tapped by the group to organize it with them and the kids at Children’s Joy Foundation.

With a lot of activities in store, the event started with kuya Harvard calling all the ates and kuyas in front to make themselves known to the children. After a round of introductions, the volunteers were each then assigned a group of kids. Getting-to-know followed, and pretty soon the kids and volunteers were bonding. To get everyone fired up, kuya Kobe the magician did an amazing magic performance! Always jampacked with tricks and surprises, everyone gasped and smiled at what he had prepared for us that day. He even got one of the kids to join him and participate in a magic trick!

Next up was gametime, which was in the form of one our classics — Pera o Bayong. Similar to the TV show segment, kuya Harvard asked questions with multiple choice answers, and everyone would line up at the letter they felt represented the correct option. Our winning kid, the last one standing, was then given the option to choose between 1 thousand pesos or the bayong — which had a secret content. He ended up choosing the bayong, and in it were 5 story books!

To  give more meaning to the season, we then headed onto the next activity which was the arts decorating contest. Each group were given art materials as well as cartolina, and we tasked them to illustrate on it what Christmas meant for all of them. It was great fun as the ates and kuyas helped the kids come up with the drawings, which ended up colorfully and creatively made. Making the day more special was the fact that the kids had surprise performances for us, which touched the heart of everyone present in the room.

Mealtime then commenced, followed by the giving out of school supplies to the kids by our volunteers. We ended the day on a high note with all smiles for the camera, to capture such a heartwarming event filled with joy and love. We hope other barkadas get inspired too by kuya Bryan’s, and choose to bless others while spending time with their friends.

Building Firm Donate to Children’s Charity After Securing South Kesteven District Council Contract

A building contractor and building retailer have made a charity donation after earning a roofing contract with SKDC.

Wide Horizons, who provide Adventure Learning for youngsters, received £1,500 from Willmott Dixon and Buildbase in Grantham as part of their contract with the Council to demonstrate a willingness to help the community.

The charity provides the opportunities for children living in highly deprived areas, who are behind in their education, at risk of suspension or permanent exclusion, children suffering with depression and mental health problems or those with disabilities or debilitating illnesses.

Wilmott Dixon won the contract with the council in April 2015 to repair roofing throughout the district in conjunction with the authority’s Improvements Team.

Mark Parker, general manager at Willmott Dixon, said: “We have only just started to work in partnership with SKDC and already as a partnership we are very pleased to be able to donate such a large amount of money to a very worthy cause.

“We are now looking forward to working with the Council and seeing it benefit local children.”

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Source: http://www.bournelocal.co.uk/

Empiso Family’s Dance Workshop with Haven for Children

It was only a week before Christmas when the Empiso family decided to spend a very active day with the kids of Haven for Children in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Daddy Cliff, Mommy Michelle and their entire family trooped to the venue along Zapote Road for a lively event with 30 kids (composed of pre-teens to teens) from the center for street children. They were also accompanied by some friends who were just as excited.

After grouping together the volunteers and the participants, the event got started with the usual getting-to-know activity. This allowed everyone to be at ease with one another as they would be competing in some really lively games.

Speaking of these games, first up was the Balloon Relay. This game had the participants pair up with five (5) pairs for each group. They then raced through a zig-zag obstacle while pressing a balloon onto each other’s side. This game sure got everyone’s hearts racing as they raced through the orange-coned-course. One team though eventually dominated the contest winning much coveted story-books for the kids.

The next game again required some high-octane participation from the groups with the Dance Showdown. In this game, songs were simply played which the groups had to dance to. But they had to be creative and organized in coming up with their own steps, choreography and even blocking to win points for their ‘crew.’ In the end, one of the teams came from behind to steal the win for their kids.

With the blood still pumping from the last activity, Kuya Jap took front and center for the day’s dance workshop. Kuya Jap, a professional from Big Shift Studios, guided the entire group through a series of steps and movements. Several 8-counts later, the participants had everything down pat and it all beautifully came together to a monster-performance.

The last activity featured one of U!’s resident story-tellers, Kuya Rich. As always, the kids got into the act by providing some of the sounds, reactions and even movements to truly bring Kuya Rich’s story to life.

The kids then sat down with their groups for a very generous serving of lunch, along with some sweet treats. With all the activities they did, the hearty meal truly couldn’t have come at a better time. Story books were also distributed to the kids during this time as their parting gifts.

A final photo captured the weekend’s sprightly event. The season of giving was greatly evident with the Empiso family and we sincerely thank them for the early Christmas presents to Haven for Children.

Kindly Croc Hands Over Cash to Children's Charity

A SHOPPING centre's new mascot made his public debut to hand over a cheque for nearly £2,000 to children's charity Zoe's Place.

Cleveland Croc was joined by Zoe Bear, from the charity, and Middlesbrough FC's Roary the Lion mascot to present the money, which was raised in Middlesbrough's Cleveland Centre over the festive period.

The cash, totalling £1,921, was raised via a series of initiatives including shoppers making donations in return for leaving messages for loved ones on a Christmas Wish Tree and a bucket collection at Santa’s sleigh.

Rachael Willmore, community fundraiser for Zoe’s Place, said: “2016 is all about keeping the doors open because it’s becoming ever-harder to raise the funds needed to operate the baby hospice.

“We know there are so many good causes all after the same pound, so we’re truly grateful to Cleveland Centre and its customers for their generosity. They will help us to continue to look after nearly 30 families from across Teesside and the North-East.”
     
Centre manager Graeme Skillen said: “In keeping with our slogan of being the Centre of the Community, we’re very proud to be doing our bit for local people who need our help the most.

“Zoe’s Place is a truly incredible organisation, helping babies with life-limiting conditions, so I’m pleased we and Teesside’s shoppers can play our own small part in ensuring it continues to offer such an important and inspiring service.”

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Source: http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/

Christ the King’s Youth and Days with the Lord’s Christmas with Libis Elementary School

CTK Youth / DWTL Christmas Outreach at Libis Elementary School

Every year, the youth volunteers of Christ the King Parish in Green Meadows Ave and CTK Days with the Lord, gather for a Christmas outreach activity. This year, they again touched base and reunited with the spirited kids of Libis Elementary School.

Though missing a few participants, the volunteers present did not lack in enthusiasm. After introducing themselves, they soon broke the ice with the kids through a warm getting-to-know activity.

Several games were lined up for the whole event. It sure got both the kids and volunteers bouncing not just physically but mentally as well. First up, the kids had to move around in the Make Me Stand game. In this game, cones were scattered all around the game area. The volunteers and kids then had to scamper to stand the cones upright using only one hand within a very fast 10-second count. This game sure had a surge of energy as the teams tried to stand as many cones as they can.

Another game was called Pass the Charades – a combination of Pass the Message and Charades. While lined up, the teams passed along a message/ word from one end of the line to other by acting them out. Some had difficulty with the words but everyone soon figured out their own strategies. This allowed for a neck-and-neck contest with one team coming out on top.

The next pair of games was led by the volunteers themselves – Paint Me a Picture and Pinoy Henyo. Being in the holiday spirit, the theme of these games was all about Christmas and of course, Jesus Christ. The volunteers even got to share what Christmas means to them during these activities.

As the time for lunch arrived, a hearty meal was served to the kids, as well as the Brgy Libis Sitio leaders present. The kids then lined up to receive their game prizes and their Christmas gifts of school supplies and baon packs from Rebisco. A final group picture captured the day’s activities. The volunteers and kids shared a heartfelt embrace as they bid each other goodbye.

Young ones deserve a more special kind of Christmas just because of the pureness of their happiness. This is a great reminder of what this season is to their adult counterparts. U! Happy Events certainly hopes to see more of the Ates and Kuyas in future events. Thank U! also to Libis Elementary School for being part of it.

Children's Cancer Charity Receives Surge in Donations After Closure Fears

A CHILDREN’S Cancer charity which warned it faced closure at the end of the month has received over €9,000 in pledges within 24 hours.

Hand in Hand, which has been running for the past decade without any State funding, announced on Monday that serious financial issues could force it to close it’s doors.
The news was met with an outpouring of support from across the country, with the charity receiving almost €9,000 in pledged donations by yesterday morning.

One Galway businessman pledged €4,800 to cover the rent on the charity’s premises for the year while an Irishman living in the UK pledged €3,000. Online pledges and donations hit €1,100 by yesterday morning.

“We are overwhelmed by the response.  We’ve raised €9,000 in a day, it’s a phenomenal start,” said Jennifer Carpenter, Service Manager with the charity.

Ms Carpenter also attended a briefing meeting on State funding under the SSNO, a scheme to support national organisations. It is currently accepting applications for the 2016-2019 period.

“We applied in 2014 and didn’t qualify because we didn’t show a significant national presence but due to sheer demand we are now servicing the entire country for the past 24 months.

This funding would cover the salary of the charity’s two staff for three years, who both earn less than €28,000 a year,  freeing up all monies raised for provision of services, said Ms Carpenter.

The charity, which works with up to 60 families each year across Ireland, costs in the region of €200,000 to run annually. It offers practical support in the homes of families who have a child undergoing treatment for cancer. These services include domestic cleaning, laundry, childcare and family meals, all of which are provided by professional VAT registered service suppliers contracted by the charity.

While it received €10,000 from the Irish Cancer Society last year, that covered just 5pc of overall costs.

Ms Carpenter said it was vital that the charity receive State funding.

“I can’t see how we will survive without it. We need a lifeline now. The reaction from the public has been huge, we want to see something from the State,” she added.

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Source: http://www.independent.ie/

PGH Nurses Christmas Celebration with PGH

I have always noticed that a great amount of dedication and time goes into the work that nurses do — shifting schedules, sleepless nights, and round the clock duties are just some of the things that are required of these amazing individuals who still find time for their family, social, and personal life. It is even more amazing that amidst all this, there are those nurses who still go the extra mile by personally doing outreaches for the patients they are tasked to care for. Such was the case of ate Valerie Barcinal and her nurse friends from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), who reached out to us to organize an event for the kids there especially for Christmas.

During the customary introductions and getting-to-know between the PGH kids and our volunteers, excitement already filled the air as the kids realized it was not going to be their typical day at the hospital, and that their donors had a lot in store for them. Everyone bonded during this part of the program, as they were grouped so that each volunteer had an assigned circle of kids to care for that day.

The program commenced with a magic show, grabbing the kids attention and getting excitement from the crowd. The kids and volunteers alike curiously watched as the magician did all sorts of tricks to captivate them. Next was a fun game with balloons! Each group member were given balloons, and were tasked to blow them up accordingly as kuya Harvard called out the sizes. The first group to complete the task was then delcared the winner!

Adding to the lively afternoon was the Story-Telling workshop led by resident actor and story-teller, kuya Rich. He got rid of the children’s shyness via doing face expressions, which were also very important in being able to tell stories effectively. The kids had a blast and after some time were ready for the next game which was related to the workshop — Paint a Picture. To test their story-telling and creativity, kuya Rick called on various scenarios that the groups each had to depict successfully. Despite the giggles and laughter, everyone did a great job and seemed to have learned a lot from kuya Rick!

After all the fun was mealtime and gift-giving, which was also a joyful time for the children as there were a lot of presents provided for by the volunteers as well as other donors. Despite the rainy day, the children who were able to make it that afternoon had the time of their life, and we are sure the volunteers felt the same. To end on a high note we had our group photo, followed by a lot of hugs that served as thank you to our generous donors.

Charity Preview Crowd Raises $5.2 Million for Children’s Charities

The Motor City dressed up and got down Friday night at the Charity Preview Gala on the eve of the 28th annual North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit.

Event-goers endured a steady rain and several traffic tie-ups in the downtown area en route to the black-tie event. Cars remain the stars but it was the people -- and their gussied-up attire -- that makes the gala Detroit’s social event of the year as everyone in attendance was dressed to be seen.

“The Auto Show truly creates an excitement in this town,” said Russ Milne who works at his father’s Ford dealership in Macomb Township.

His wife, Heidi, said she spent a couple of days preparing for the event, She had special Mustang decals placed on her fingernails and toe nails at Pearl Nails in Shelby Township, lined up a sleeveless white gown and had her hair done.

“Yes, it takes me a couple of days to get ready,” she joked. “But it’s worth it to come here and celebrate American-made cars. We build it, we buy it.”

Event organizers said 13,075 people attended -- downt slightly from last year’s 13,826 -- the $400-a-ticket event, bringing in $5.3 million for eight children’s charities. That figure brings a grand total of more than $105.2 million raised for charities since the Charity Preview was established by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association in 1976.

“Welcome to the biggest night of giving in Detroit, and frankly, the biggest night of giving in the world,” said WJR-AM (760)’s Paul W. Smith, who served as emcee of a pre-charity event.

Among those in attendance were Warren Mayor James Fouts, who was accompanied by his administrative aide Amanda Mika, Gov. Rick Snyder, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, General Motors Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra, Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman William Clay Ford Jr. and many others.

he evening started with a pre-party in the Cobo atrium as movers and shakers from across the region posed on the red carpet for photos.

The crowd then crowed then filtered into the center to get their first look at the new line of 750 autos. Guests sipped from flutes of champagne and wine, and munched on spring rolls as they took in the sites.

The crowd was filled with residents from Macomb and Oakland counties were on hand along with a variety of auto industry executives, local celebrities, athletes, and others. Their attention darted from eye-catching car designs to the fashions.

Ladies were mostly attired in gowns, while a number of men -- including Duggan -- opted for suits with long ties instead of the traditional tuxedo and bow tie.

Paul Sabatini, owner of Lincoln of Troy and this year’s auto show chairman, also went with the long tie look.

“Of course, my wife picked it out,” he said. “She knows what looks best on me -- she’s always right.”

Cell phones were the accessory of the night as it seemed every few steps, someone was stopping to take a selfie.

Bob Catana of Harrison Township and his wife, Dani, stopped in a Ford display to take a quick pic.

“My father works for Ford, I work for Ford and my husband works for Ford, so we are very proud of the Ford family,” said Dani Catana, who is with the new Ford Pass program. “And we’re raising money for charity at the same time, which is so important.”

Closing out the night was a full concert by Huey Lewis & and The News.

2016 North American International Auto Show opens today at Cobo Center, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. today through Jan. 24. Hours on Jan. 25 are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $7 for children. Parking is available in numerous lots around the area. For more information, visit naias.com.

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Source: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/

JCI Manilena’s Film Showing, Star Wars with Little Lights

JCI Manilena is one partner who has consistently provided alternative events for children. They have sponsored quite a number of visual events like film showing, live performances and musicals. Just last month Little Lights watched Hunger Games together with another NGO, Pangarap Foundation. This time 34 children sat back relaxed and one of the few people to watch one of the most anticipated movies to date, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

As this showed earlier at 730pm at the Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan, there was another screening happening on the opposite side, Greenhills Theatre which started later at around 830pm. That was event two with community children of Right Start San Juan and Bgy. Corazon de Jesus.

Children's Charity Offers Training to Recruit Volunteer Mentors

STOURPORT-based children’s charity, Mentor Link, which provides long-term one-to-one social and emotional support to vulnerable and distressed children is seeking volunteers.

The charity professionally recruits and trains volunteer mentors to listen to and support children and young people facing difficulties such as illness, low self-esteem, bereavement, family breakdown, self-harm and relationships.

Its aim is to create a more positive attitude towards themselves and their learning. The well-being of these young people forms the focus of the charity’s work.

With over 13 years’ experience of providing this service to schools and a good track record of success, the charity is recruiting more volunteer mentors. No qualifications are necessary, you just need to be a good listener and role model with an interest in supporting young people.

Applicants are required to have Enhanced DBS (disclosure and barring service) clearance and be able to commit to giving an hour a week for a minimum of six months. Training is provided free of charge and travel expenses are paid.
   
Mentor Link offers a prompt, professional, long-term and dedicated service to children and also welcomes enquiries from parents, schools, health professionals or community groups.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor, or would like to know more about the service the charity provides, please contact Claire Quinn on 07973 572768, Claire.Quinn@mentorlink.org.uk or have a look at our website www.mentorlink.org.uk

JCI Manilena’s Film Showing, Star Wars with Right Start

On the same night, we were privilege to be the beneficiary of Sponsor a Child program of JCI Manilena twice. First was for Little Lights Ministry and this one for Right Start. It is our 5th partnership in enabling children and teens to watch films. Here 39 children were accompanied by adults in Greenhills Theatre Mall.

We look forward to having more opportunities like this. As much as possible we want to provide a variety of activities for children on top of workshops and field trips. Thank you once again JCI Manilena!

Great Ocean Jet Ski Adventure for Children's Charity Fundraisers

A PAIR of mates and a jet ski will set off on an epic adventure next month.

Josh Turley and Matt Dowling will travel more than 500 kilometres on a jet ski to raise money for the Variety children's charity to help support disadvantaged kids.

The men will share the workload, while one stays on land with the car the other will be clocking up more than 100 kilometres a day on Victoria's coastline. Mr Dowling said riders from across Australia would begin their trek from Portland before travelling to Warrnambool, Lorne, the Mornington Peninsula and finishing in Phillip Island.

Mr Dowling said he had always wanted to drive the Great Ocean Road, so when he found out he could do it on a jet ski, he could not say no.

"I've always talked about going on a road trip over there, so when I found out about the Jet Trek I thought it was perfect because I got to do both," he said.

The men said they had both been involved with boats and water-sports their whole lives.

Mr Dowling said he was not afraid of what Victoria's weather might throw at him.

"Rain, hail or shine I'll be out there on the water," he said.

The pair must raise more than $2500 to be eligible for the Jet Trek.


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"We have held a few barbecues at Bunnings and people have been amazing, we have managed to raise heaps of money. We're holding another one this Saturday," he said.

"We've also made up tins and the local communities and business have been so supportive."

Last year the Jet Trek raised $145,000, this year organisers hope to reach $250,000 for Variety children's charity.

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Source: http://www.theadvocate.com.au/

Globe & Huawei Christmas Celebration with Gawad Kalinga Laura

We continue to increase our corporate partners every year. Personally, I believe it is one of the major factors in boosting support to children NGOs. They have three components that individual and family sponsors maybe lacking. Companies have more funding, manpower and sustainable power. It is our second event with both Globe and Huawei executives.

There were around 40 of them who came. Around half were Chinese from Huawei partners. It is there Christmas giving back to children together with Globe counterparts. It only took us two weeks to put it together despite the busy season.

It was a packed afternoon literally- we were contained on a smaller venue due to the rain and a number of activities were lined up as well. We started with heavy lunch then proceeded to our customary getting to know. Mesmerizing Magic, Balloon Twisting workshop, Raise the Ball game followed suit. At this point children continue to anticipate what was going to happen next.

More than half of the event budget went to gifts. Globe and Huawei picked Noche Buena Packages (Christmas Ham and Spaghetti Packs), hygiene kits and two Adarna story books for each of the 50 children present. There were gifts for families to share, for personal use and even for friends bonding time.

Before we had our group photo, two groups of children performed for our sponsors and volunteers. The video below gives justice on how much they prepared for this celebration.

We look forward for more corporate partners in the future. If you are reading this and looking to sponsor as well, please do contact us here. Thank you again to Globe and Huawei.

Fiona’s Marathon Charity Bike Ride for Charity

A woman from St Jude’s has cycled 406km in six days, from Cambodia to Ho Chi Min in Vietnam, to raise cash for a children’s charity.

Fiona Hill-Heaton, aged 55, is part of a team which has so far raised £19,000 and is made up of cyclists from around the world for the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation.

The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation is an international partnership of people dedicated to serving children in need of emergency and long-term medical care, nutritional rehabilitation, educational opportunities, vocational training and job placement, as well as children at risk of sexual and economic exploitation.

Fiona, who is retired, was part of a 21-strong team, which rode the 406km, and included Australian and British riders.

She said: ‘We spent two days at the Christina Noble Children’s Centres.

‘One of the centres is for visually impaired children. There they are taught valuable life skills to enable them to lead independent lives, including learning to cut vegetables, with a machete!

‘At the main centre, the children are educated, given healthcare in the centre’s hospital and intensive therapy unit. Not only are the children educated until they are 16, but those who are able to go on to study at university have their fees paid by the Christina Noble charity, and then for a further six months after attaining their degrees, they have six month’s rent provided by the charity, to fully get the young adults onto their feet, debt free.

‘Many come back to the centre to then work. One girl has qualified as a human rights lawyer and works for the centre.’

Fiona said that the ride was challenging, with the team cycling over 100km on some days, in chunks of 20km.

She said: ‘It’s not far in our climate, however the heat and humidity took its toll on a small number of us, and tummy upsets were the main topic of conversation.

‘I fared quite well, still able to ride, though feeling rough for a couple of days. We were burning up 3,500 to 4,000 calories a day, so maintaining our calorie and water content was vital. I did struggle to eat, and managed for two days on just rice, broth and soy sauce, however it passed. The longest sections I was ok, I lost over half a stone though!

‘The day we finally cycled into the main Christina Noble Children’s Centre was incredibly emotional. Children, of all ages, babies to young adults cheered and thronged around us. This was what we cycled for and where all the gratefully received donations were being put to use. We just burst into tears.

‘Suffice to say, it was a life changer. If you ever get the chance to do something like this, then do it. Alternatively go and cycle round these parts, you see so much more on a bike and living is very simple and cheap. I’ll be going back one day.’

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Source: http://www.iomtoday.co.im/

Philippine General Hospital’s Paskong Pasiklab 2015

For most of us, Christmas involves being at home with the family, going on a holiday vacation, or spending time with loved ones out in different scenic spots and dining places. Sadly, there are also those who are undergoing treatment or diagnosed with sickness that requires them to be in the hospital this time of the year. That is why it is such a blessing to have kindhearted donors who think of celebrating Christmas with sick kids who may not be able to be out for Christmas, but wish to celebrate the season just the same.

For the second year, young doctors from the Philippine General Hospital, headed by ate Emy Cua, reached out to U! Happy Events to organize a gathering for the children and parents under their care. It was a big gathering of nearly 200 kids, all coming together at the PGH Social Hall for a morning of joy and giving.  Various groups were also tapped by the doctor sponsors, who were able to donate as well as attend the big event.

The kids and volunteers were first grouped upon entering the venue, which also had various food carts like ice cream, taho, fishballs and ice scramble. The Social Hall resembled a fair, as there were also various mascots and clowns roaming about entertaining the kids! Kuya Harvard started off the program by asking the kids and volunteers to get to know each other and share their name and favorite Christmas food. Adding to the festivities was a Magic Show by resident magician Kuya Kobe, who got the kids oohing and aaahing at the various tricks he performed! A dance number by the angry bird mascot also followed, as the kids laughed and danced along.

After the performances it was time for a game, which was Inside Out. It was a pretty loud time as the kids and volunteers, in big groups, attempted to squeeze themselves in the hula hoops and vie for the win as kuya Harvard checked out who was the first to succeed. A much needed rest was needed after the exciting game, so we then handed out cardboard Christmas trees and are materials for all the children to decorate with their ates and kuyas. By the time they all finished, the room was filled with so much colorful trees that the kids could take home!

Lunch was then served, as well as distribution of the countless gifts our sponsors were able to collect. It was such joy seeing the children receiving so many things, but even more joyful was their smiles as their ates and kuyas bonded with them. We ended the day with a huge group picture, full of smiles from everyone who came for the beautiful, blessed day.

Brave Alexa Cuts Off Her Treasured Locks for Children’s Charity

A five-year-old girl from Little Paxton has donated 15 inches of her hair and raised hundreds of pounds for a children’s charity.

Alexa Chappell, of Park Drive, approached her parents Kelly and Phil before Christmas and said she wanted to help “someone who doesn’t have hair because I have lots”.

“We have absolutely no idea how she knew about children with cancer but she wanted to help so we contacted the charity.”

Kelly and Phil took Alexa along to Molbys hair salon in St Neots on Saturday and she had her hair cut. They will now hand over £758.25 to the Princess Trust charity and will arrange to send Alexa’s hair, which will be made into a wig for a child who has lost their hair through cancer or other treatment, to the charity.

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Source: http://www.huntspost.co.uk/

Ate Shane Celebrates with QMMC

Ate Shane celebrated her birthday in QMMC with amazing 25 kids and 30 volunteers. There were cotton candies, balloons and gifts in the room. So you know the Christmas cheer was ever present in the halls of hospital despite the kids’ ailments.

We began with Ate Amy introducing the volunteers with a quick dance off to boot. Groupings were then made with the kids. They came up with such cute names like Team Awesome, Branded, Happiness, Hero.

After the introduction, next up was the game – Paint Me a Picture. The game’s simple – they’ll have to act out a scenario then freeze when the time’s up. Scenarios were if they were hopping, going to church and noche buena. The kids and volunteers creatively whipped their way into different positions to win at the game.

The Magic Show was up next. There were doves coming out of hats, floating tables, fire tricks and so much more. The kids, and even the volunteers, were entertained.

After the show, pancit and cottons candies were given to the kids. They ate together with the volunteers.

As the day drew to an end, it was time to give away the gifts. Kids received specially wrapped gifts and educational kits. Even the volunteers got their own gifts as Ate Shane wants to spread the joy all around.

We ended with a group photo and hugs. Ate Shane definitely made the kids’ days so much better. Christmas was really in the air.