Written by: Ate Yani Apelo, Core Team Member
As the year comes to an end, welcoming 2018 is definitely a “last but not the least” type of celebration. New Year is one of the most celebrated events in the world – and this year, a lot will be spending theirs in the hospital. If you think about it, it is actually a perfect opportunity to spread joy and excitement to people who will be celebrating New Year’s differently.
We were very pleased to have Ate Raissa and her friends travel all the way to Philippine Children’s Medical Center to celebrate with the kids. Together with them were other volunteers who joined this exciting event – nothing like an outreach to get to know more generous and kind-hearted people, right? Even though this government hospital is located in Quezon City, that didn’t stop our volunteers who came from different places around North and South to bring happiness to the kids.
First off, our volunteers were taught how to make a do-it-yourself (DIY) hornpipe out of paper and straw. Each one of them became amazed by how easily they could make the musical instrument that is typically used for celebrating New Year’s. Before going to the Cancer and Hematology Ward, we divided the volunteers into three groups together with the U! Happy core members. Then, each group went into the rooms and started getting to know the kids and their guardians. Some of them have been there for weeks while others were diagnosed just a few days back; either way, they are all willing to fight for their health. After spending even just a few minutes with them, you will already feel how heartwarming their stories are; that is why our volunteers became more inspired to share their blessings with the kids.
After the warm welcome, we then proceeded with our Art Workshop. The kids were taught by their ates and kuyas how to make a DIY hornpipe; some struggled remembering what they were taught earlier or if they were doing it right, while others explained it slowly but surely. Nonetheless, the volunteers kept a light ambiance that gave the kids a consistent feeling of delight. You get to see their faces light up as they hear the first sound of their hornpipes then screams “Happy New Year!” right after – what a pleasant moment that was. Some even drew on theirs to make them look more festive and personalized. Simultaneously, Ate Divine also spread joy to the kids as she went around giving out balloons.
Lastly, the volunteers provided lunch for the kids. With that, they also gave out gifts such as toys, candies, and other goodies. There was also a birthday celebrant in the ward, thus Ate Raissa and her friends were able to make it a birthday to remember. The kids, especially their parents and guardians, kept saying thank you to the ates and kuyas. Even though none of them wanted to be in the situation they are in, they couldn’t help but to be grateful for experiencing kindness that our volunteers have shown them.
It was truly a wonderful day for everyone! We are glad to have a delightful batch of volunteers who were willing to spend time with the kids and help them feel loved as they each go through their battles in the hospital. It was also a good reminder for them not to give up and that there are always people supporting them. At the end of the day, our volunteers definitely gave the kids a new and memorable way to celebrate the coming of 2018!
