MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Last Thursday, we were invited by TRANSCO, as they continuously support humanitarian cause, to join a charity event at the Rotana Beach Hotel with the theme "Make A Difference." This affair supported two charity foundations: (1) Make a Wish Foundation which grants wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, and (2) The Little Wings Foundation which provides medical assistance to children with bone and muscle deformities.
It was a fun-filled outdoor activity which included games, fishing, face painting, jumping castle, dumping pool, etc. Also, there were ladies who were in super hero costumes to entertain the kids. Since it was like a kids' party, all we did in the event was to take photos, eat snacks, and enjoy the cool breeze of the coming winter season along the beach of Rotana Hotel.
The event was not the type that adults would enjoy. Honestly, I found it boring. Nevertheless, I still felt thankful and privileged to have been a part of a charity event like this. In fact, my husband and I were discussing several months ago about several charity options that we could consider in the future (once Rafael and his siblings have finished college) as our way of giving back for all the blessings that our family have received. We knew of several people who have chosen to support the college education of less fortunate but well deserving students and I wish that someday, we could afford to have scholars too.
I remember, not so long ago, when I was just starting my career as a clinical instructor, I had this smart student who was worried of having to stop school because they can't afford it anymore. I was saddened because no matter how much I wanted to help financially, my savings was just not enough to support a college education. I talked to my papa hoping that he could shoulder half of the tuition fee; that way, I could afford the other half. Unfortunately, he refused. Not because he was being selfish, but because I still have two younger brothers who were studying back then. In addition, he told me that I won't be able to afford it as well since I just came out from college and I was not even financially established that time. Then I realized, he was right. I should not commit to a responsibility which I can't support in the long run. In short, I wasn't able to help. It was heart breaking. I was thinking, I hope I had the means to help my student but I didn't.
Things like that make me feel sad. That is why I am really hoping that in the future, we will still be blessed enough to send less fortunate students to college. I wanted to give deserving people the opportunity to improve their lives through education because I strongly believe that it is the greatest equalizer. Just like what the old Chinese proverb says:
If you want 1 year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want 10 years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people.
However, it will still take a long time for us to implement that plan (of course, we have to prioritize our children's future). For now, what I can do to make a difference is to be a good mother and hopefully, raise a son with character.
We can all make a difference in our own little ways! Change begins within ourselves. Let's make a difference now and let's help make this world a better place for our kids and for the future generation.
26 comments
I have been invited to help out Make A Wish Foundation through my photography business. I have yet to follow up on the person. This is definitely something I'd love to be part of~ and maybe even get my kids get involved in later on.
ReplyDeleteIt really feels wonderful to be of help especially to people who are in need. I would also love to have my kids get involved in different charity events such as this to help them learn about the value of sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt's really nice to know that you can have fun while helping others. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, Audric's Mom. It's really true that there's more in "giving" than "receiving" :)
DeleteYou were very honest here, but yes, I agree that one shouldn't commit of he can't follow through. However the problem wuth some people is that they think they couldn't do it when they can. You can begin with small charities; for example, you can sponsor a child in World Vision for only 600 a month. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information, mommy Marie! I didn't know that the amount Php 600 can go a long way to sponsor a child.
DeleteI agree with Maan, there are charities that you can support. I remember when I was in the airport, one guy approached me and asked if I'm willing to donate every month for UNICEF, it is less than P1000/month. But I declined because I have no work. We can make a difference is so many ways. A little help can go a long way. :)
DeleteThanks Michi! I'm also not working as of the moment, I don't have my own source of income so I still cannot commit to monthly pledges. But you're right, we can still make a difference in other ways!
DeleteYeah! I agree we can all make a difference in our own little ways. Big or small if helping others comes straight from our heart, it will go a long way.
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Gigi. Helping other really comes a long way if it comes from the heart.
DeleteSharing will make you rich in more ways than one, not in terms of money that it! Been a sponsor of World Vision for more than 10 years already and our sponsored child, my husband and I called her as our first baby, is graduating from college na next year!
ReplyDeleteWow! Congratulations, Que! I hope someday, my husband and I will be able to support a scholar too!
DeleteOh wow, that quote resonated with me so much! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteWe need to grow people - as moms, we grow kids!
This is really a good cause. And you were so honest on this :)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you. Helping others, especially for this cause, is not just about giving money and that's it. Even if we can't do it now, we can still think of some ways to help other people, no matter how little those efforts may be.
Thank you, Ayi! I agree with you that helping other doesn't only come in the form of money. For people who doesn't have a job (like me), little efforts also count!
DeleteCharity does not mean that you donate a lot or sponsor a charity event, like what you have said "Charity begins in ourselves". In our family we believe that "Charity begins in our home" we usually help our family in need is not about money in simple ways giving used or new clothes, foods and medicines since we have a small pharmacy. And we must remember that charity does not money at all
ReplyDeleteAnna, Yes indeed! Charity begins at home. As a new parent, that is one of my ultimate purpose in life - to teach my kids to share. Thanks!
DeleteThis is a really good event. Helping others shouldn't be all about financial matters. Heartfelt efforts are still the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erica! Sincere efforts really are the best!
ReplyDeleteYou really have that sense of fulfillment if you do something that you know would help others. Every Christmas season, we do this fund raising event to help smart kids go to school and finish their studies. Mahirap pero ibang level of happiness especially when they'd visit us or we'd visit them and talk to them and realize how smart and deserving they are. We are doing something to help build a better nation. Masaya lang.
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Celerhina. Ibang sense of fulfillment and level of happiness ang mararamdaman mo kapag ikaw yung nagbibigay. Congratulations to you and your family for giving hope and a better future to these well deserving kids!
Delete"I should not commit to a responsibility which I can't support in the long run." you are so right.. however, I find it in our society that sometimes you are still obligated to some responsibilities even if you know that it is not within your capacity to do so...
ReplyDeleteI feel sad to hear that Zaineandi. I understand how difficult and stressful it feels to be pushed to do something beyond your means.
DeleteI love this post. Change really does begin with ourselves :) And yes, I totally agree that we can help in our own ways. Financial or not, helping in whichever way we can shows the person we are trying to help, that we care. I think that counts for a lot :) Thank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of ways to help. I'm happy my company makes it easier and 'real' for me. We can sponsor students, and they will match whatever amount from employees donate. Then every Sat, the students go to our offices too for tutorials. I love that we know our scholars and build relationship with them
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to hear that, Paulline! I'm happy that there are many companies that give hope and opportunity to the less fortunate children in our society. It's also good to know that you also get the chance to meet these lucky scholars. Congratulations!
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