Written by: Kuya Richard Yatar, Core Team Member
Teaching a child in the autism spectrum is difficult since it requires different therapies-occupational and speech therapies; even more when the child is facing mental and physical needs. With that, Ate Lesley Geronimo is so kind to cater this kind of issue that she chose to spend her special day to our kids in Heart at Play Foundation. The foundation empowers the special needs of children and adults who are physically and mentally challenged. Ate Lesley wanted those kids to have more reason to fight and happily face the world.
We had over 100 kids in the venue. In spite of several life challenges, kids still manage to smile and play with their new friends. Kids came from different communities – Payatas Community, Rosa Susano, Batino, PCMC and DHP. Kids were accompanied by their parents and/or guardians. It was so hot during that day but they didn’t mind it because they knew that that event will be worth going. Each kids were accompanied by volunteers, mostly friends of Ate Lesley and some of them were from Rotary Servicing Humanity – Makati Business District.
There is a weekly dance movement therapy session in Heart at Play Foundation since 2011. This was the highlight of the day. They did several activities and dances as a therapy for our kids. This time though, the volunteers went with the kids. We could tell that that particular activity quickly developed into a unique and memorable time for our volunteers as they escorted their kids through the dance course.
Also all those activities, a party wouldn’t be party without a treat! But before they started eating, the party was graced by Ate Lesley’s friend who sang a Filipino song as his serenade to the kids. Ate Lesley made everyone’s tummy happy with all the food that he distributed to the kids. We got spaghetti, chicken and fruit juices. He even prepared a candy/sweets buffet for everyone. We had macaroon, chocolate bars, candies and many more sweets.
They have continued to show eagerness to spend time with our lovely kids. It was indeed a happy day for everyone. Ate Lesley gave gifts to all kids before they left. Of course, the kids were very thankful for making their Saturday extraordinary. But for sure, what our kids didn’t know was that they even made someone happier, and they were Ate Lesley and all volunteers and visitors. Everyone especially his friends were all thrilled to Ate Lesley’s generosity to do such thing like that. With that day, another hero was born.
