On October 8, 2017, we were able to bring smiles to 50 children through another outreach activity held in Barangay 670, Zone 72 in Ermita, Manila. The recipient barangay was selected because of our experience of seeing the children unable to have proper food as they were wandering in the streets of that neighborhood. This was made possible through the generous contributions of Ms. Laureen Alturkait (Turkey) and Ms. Aj Untal (Taiwan). We had a give giving, feeding program, games, school supplies distribution and values formation. Through this activity, we would like to encourage the children and our society to embrace love and good camaraderie with one another.
We would like to give our heartfelt gratitude to those who bought Gumamela Shirt because they were the pillar of this program. Majority of resources came from the customers who patronized Gumamela shirt. We sell Gumamela Shirt online and every shirt purchased Php 50 will be donated to the Community Outreach Program. It was a genuine effort of people who embrace volunteerism without expecting anything in return.
The activity started at around 10:00am with a message from Barangay Captain Boboy Arraza. Afterwards, the children had games hosted by volunteers Jinkee Falguera and Lance Velasco. The first segment of the game was when we gave special Gumamela shirts to two youngsters. One of the boys, was close to my heart, for it was at the time when I have seen him wandering along the streets that inspired me to share blessings to him and his fellow children in the area. The next game was “Bring Me!” where children were asked to bring several items for a prize. Such items was made with a twist for we asked for very particular items such as white rubber shoes, red bag, blue ballpen, which made not only the children participate with such enthusiasm, but also their parents and barangay officials who were close by. Following that game is “Stop Dance,” where the children danced to pop tunes and pause the song until the last kid standing. What we find interesting is that the kids are so good at this game that barely anyone gets picked off every round of the game. In the end, we had most of the children left given with prizes. The children then danced to the tune of “Baby Shark” to cap the activity.
After the games, a special dance number was rendered by Eien Antonio and his friend. Then, the team provided the children with packets of school supplies which was timely for the needs of the children during their activities in school and day-care centers. Finally, the team distributed meals composed of home-cooked meals made by Ms. Luzviminda Antonio, a member of DAWN (a NGO working for the welfare of women migrant returnees and their children), and distributed by fellow DAWN members Anna Yambao and Gilda Mosatalla.
It was indeed a fun and blessed experience seeing the children smile and laugh as we share with them something out of love and concern for them. This activity inspired me further to help out to other communities. If you wish to be part of this activity, whether by providing in cash or in kind, or by sharing your time in bring joy to the children.
See you in the next outreach activity!!!
For more photos please visit Gemma Gumamela Community Outreach Project.
