The worst of times tests the best of us. The Covid pandemic has been a tough test of resilience, strength and unity among people and communities. Now as the world bounces back, there have been efforts with hope for a better world. In the Philippines, Global Peace Women and Global Peace Foundation made efforts to bring joy, hope and love during December - the month of giving - with an open house Christmas Pantry and Christmas Gift Giving reaching more than 600 families. .
The first wave of “Christmas Gift Giving” was conducted on November 29th and 30th. The gift-giving was done in collaboration with the YWCA Founders Chapter of Rizal and supported “Giving Tuesday”. The first batch of ‘Christmas Gift Giving ’ was delivered to the Brgy Balibago Talim Island, followed by a second one to Sitio Diversion in Cardona Rizal. Fifty families were delighted by the packages. Jun, expressed, “the food supplies are really helpful to us”.
Ahna Mira, Country Coordinator of GPW Philippines and other partners, GPF-Philippines, Inner Wheel Club, Rotary and local municipalities set up Christmas Pantries in neighborhoods throughout Cardona Rizal. Pantries were filled with gifts, chocolates, candies and Christmas gift baskets for both children and parents.The Mira family welcomed everyone with open arms and warm hearts.
GPW and GPF Philippines and partners also visited communities from Quezon City to Pulong Dailig to bring Christmas cheer with Christmas gift boxes to 640 families. The special season of gift giving brought smiles to many children and families who have been through a difficult time through the pandemic.
As Ahna Mira said, “Kindness is Contagious.” Kindness, love and cooperation has inspired a wave of giving that has spread through months of giving.