Written by: Ren dela Cruz, Board Member
The holidays and start of a new year is surely something everyone looks forward to, but it could perhaps be the children who are the ones most blessed and overjoyed with the festivities – what with all the cheer the season brings, the coming together for the holidays, having new clothes and toys for the start of the year, and ultimately, more time spent with their family and the rest of their loved ones.
However not all kids get to do the aforementioned and celebrate the coming of the new year with family or loved ones, especially those housed in orphanages and protective centers, but who are most in need of love, hope and attention. Such are kids like those from Gentle Hands, a child and youth welfare agency meant to be on the front lines of rescue and rehabilitation of at-risk children & youth of the Philippines.
Last January 6, we were delighted to partner with sponsor ate Monica as she arranged to reach out to 25 children from the orphanage, to celebrate the holiday season. As was our custom to get the kids and volunteers bonding, we proceeded with getting-to-know and grouping the kids and volunteers into smaller groups. It was a delightful sight seeing the 20 volunteer ate and guys intentionally spend their afternoon bonding with the children.
After getting-to-know, it was time for games! We got the energy going with Puzzles, and then Sing it like you mean it — both original U! Happy games which had everyone laughing and excited. To add to the festive and magical feel as we celebrated the holidays that afternoon, we brought in a dazzling display of magic courtesy of kuya Theo, who got the audience enthralled as he showcased his magical skills. Pretty soon, it was time to fill everyone’s tummies after all the energy that went into the activities. Ate Monica and the volunteers gave the children their meals and ate with them, giving them more time to bond.
To cap off the event, our loving volunteers gave giveaways and we took a photo to capture such a heartwarming day. The joy and passion to help was truly evident in all our volunteers hearts from the programs start to finish. We couldn’t thank ate Monica and her friends enough for giving blessings and joy to the kids of Gentle Hands — ensuring that their holidays were filled with hope and love!
