Gawad Kalinga: Handbags of Hope

Are you fond of designer bags? How about bags of the famous Philippine celebrities?

Why not go to this handbag auction by Gawad Kalinga. Below is an excerpt from http://gk1world.com/handbags-for-hope

HANDBAGS OF HOPE

Handbags for Hope is the brainchild of TV newscaster Connie Sison.  While doing a segment on Gawad Kalinga, she interviewed GK champion Dylan Wilk, a British guy who left his rich lifestyle in England to come to the Philippines and help the poor.  It was Dylan's life changing testimonial that planted the idea in Connie's head.

Dylan was in the top 10 richest men list (under 30) in England when he met a Filipina who said that she could have built two homes back in the Philippines with the cost of her airline ticket.  He was intrigued.  "What houses are these that cost the price of a handbag?  Who are these people living in handbags?" Dylan said amazed. This statement lingered on Connie’s mind.

Connie was a fan of designer handbags and she knew other women who were fond of it too. She knew how it felt to give in and purchase a finely crafted, functional leather piece.  And sometimes these purses just sit inside the closet temporarily forgotten until the next spring cleaning.  These ladies find it difficult to part with their prized possession.

She was always reminded of it on her way to work. Connie saw many families living as squatters on the road.  Upon reflection, she thought she would give up one of her handbags to help build a home for a family. Until she decided to do something about it and Handbags for Hope was born.

She started to reach out to Anna Meloto-Wilk (wife of Dylan), Eena Meloto who worked for Gawad Kalinga and Oman Tanchingco who heads an advertising and events agency.

The team squeezed in time to meet amidst their busy schedules.  People who heard about it willingly offered their services for free to help the cause. It was Connie's goal to give 100 percent of the profit to the poor.  This opened many hearts. All of them became partners of Handbags for Hope.

Connie rallied women to join the cause and take part in bringing hope to many poor families in Metro Manila.  What started as a humble project made waves in Twitter, Facebook and in the news.  And from an initial collection of 20 bags, she now has over 80 bags. All are in good condition and the worth of each purse has increased because they are given by their owners because of their love for their fellowmen.

Connie Sison with Mayor Vilma Santos who donated a bag

On November 27, at 6:00 pm, the doors of The Grove by Rockwell in Pasig will be open to women who want to help build hope for the poor families.  Handbag prices range from P1500 to P80,000. Sharon Cuneta’s Hermes bag will be auctioned off.

Why am I PAYING IT FORWARD?

                                                source: http://agirlwithgreeneyes.blogspot.com/

Ever remember the movie where young Trevor McKinney(played by Haley Joel Osment) made a concept where in we can achieve an Utopian society when each helps  three persons but these three can't pay him back but instead has to pay it forward to another three persons and that such should be something that will truly have a big impact on that person's life.

At the present moment it seems such won't work because people seem not to care. Everyday we hear bad news from one place to another. And such has made us indifferent to our neighbor or countryman or any person. But that shouldn't be the case. It may  be impossible but if we make small steps it would make a difference.

The question now is do you want to make a difference?

                                                      source: http://langwitches.org/blog/

You have reasons why you help, why you volunteer, or chip in a donation. What is your reason? Why are you paying it forward? 

This blog post is primarily for the projects I and my friends have started and we implore your help in making it a reality. 

                                         source: http://www.chosenchildrenvillage.org/

My friend  planned a visit to Chosen Children Village Foundation(to know more click here) and we ask for your kind donations in kind or monetary value for their wish list/needs. 

                                                      source: http://encycl.opentopia.com

On the other hand Jerry Villeta, a native of Isabela, is asking for help to help the poor victims of typhoon Juan in Isabela. We have coordinated such fund drive to his friend Fr. Sam Salazar, OFM  who gave us the list needed which mostly are cooking wares but would highly appreciate it if we can give some toys and clothing for the young ones(to learn on how to donate or have an idea where we can buy cooking wares at a better price please click here).   

You can share your reasons here(by leaving your message in the comment box)if you are currently helping an organization or would like to join us in our two projects...it would be nice to hear that the world is filled with people with good hearts and is paying forward God's blessings to our less fortunate brothers and sisters .

                              source:http://www.coneinc.com

                                                  source: http://www.old-picture.com

Let me start and I hope you keep the ball rolling.

It has always been my dream to help out in building houses just as what Gawad Kalinga is doing today. I have been fortunate enough to passed my CPA Board Exam and have a work that supports my needs. I remember one time my conversations with my sister that I just wanted to have a simple life; but our life as a Delos Angeles back in our barangay where people look up to you makes me uneasy. It makes me uneasy because people think we are great clan or something but in reality we are just anyone else... that is why my desire to simplicity led me to my desire to help  those who needed help. It is unfortunate that I never had that chance thus I share my talent as a blogger to spread the word where help is needed most and whatever extra I have I share...

HOW CAN YOU HELP ISABELA

 

source: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1126/5144984411_c19d22b67d.jpg

Of all the places typhoon Juan passed, Isabela is the heavily hit province.

              source: http://en.wikipilipinas.org/images/5/57/Ph_locator_isabela_palanan.png

    source: http://www.monstersandcritics.com

 source: http://www.allvoices.com

My friends and I decided to help out and through Fr. Sam Salazar, OFM we have started this donation drive to help our brothers and sisters there in Isabela.

As per Krissy's computation we need to raise the following amount for the following needs( Fr. Sam told us that they don't accept monetary donations but in kind so the group decided to purchase these needs with your donations and bring them to Isabela which according to Fr. Sam will take about 12 hours travel from Manila)

We initially decided to help about 100 families thus

source: http://www.istockphoto.com

This amount seems big but we believed with the small donations from people with good hearts this amount will be easily made. We hope to bring the donations in time for Christmas. 

Also it would be nice to have some small gifts for the kids. A toy or a new shirt or dress will surely put smile in their faces amidst their current situation. Let us be Santa Clause for them and lets make the spirit of Christmas be in their innocent hearts.

How can you help then?

You can send in your donations or learn more about the ways on how you can help through the following:

Philippine Donations

FR. SAM SALAZAR, OFM
Santuario de San Pedro Bautista Parish in Frisco, Q.C.
+639179918539; +639297333770
(02) 373-2971, (02) 415-7235, Telefax (02) 374-4874

 your donation so that we can keep track of your donation.

Please send an email in this format:

Name:

Country:

Amount:

Message:

 

For MiddleEast contact

JERRY VILLETA
jsev57704@yahoo.com

If you can't make a donation please help us spread the word. Share this blog post to your friends in Facebook, MySpace, Friendster, or email it to all your email contacts. The more people who can give the more families we can help. 

I alone cannot make a big difference but if each one's small help are gathered and put together we can make a big difference. Let's share our blessings and share God's love to others.

Caveat emptor

As per my former big bro in the seminary, Fr. Anthony Ynzon, he does not advise sharing a donation drive in the Facebook wall due to some persons using donation drive for personal gain. 

You can send the link/url of this page as a message to your Facebook  friends or you can share about helping Isabela to your friends, schoolmates, in your office, and church group. Lets pay it forward!

Can you help Isabela?

                                           source: http://members.shaw.ca/gthemidwife/


After typhoon Juan(international name Megi) ravaged Isabela the following is all what is left to the people:

                        source:http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153900

                                                source: http://www.allvoices.com

source: http://gk1world.com

source: http://internationalaidadvocate.com

Christmas is coming and the people of Isabela will be spending their Christmas without their homes and with an empty stomach. The children wont received any gifts from Santa Claus not because because they  are bad rather their will be no gifts from their parents(Santa Claus in real life) because their livelihood is gone.

What can you do to help Isabela?

Gawad Kalinga has initiated an outreached program during the time typhoon Juan hit Isabela. As they continue to help they ask for our help as well. Kalinga sa Bayan: Laban Kay “Juan,” Para Kay Juan is an ongoing outreached of Gawad Kalinga. You can help by donating to Gawad Kalinga. 

To know more about Gawad Kalinga's Kalinga sa Bayan: Laban Kay “Juan,” Para Kay Juan click here.

To make  a donation click here .

                                          source:http://www.redcross.org.ph/



You can also drop or give your donations to the Philippine National Red Cross. 

For ways to donate to Philippine National Red Cross  click here.

To make a donation via PayPal click here

My friends and I are planning to make a donation drive  through Jerry Villeta's friend in the Franciscan order, Fr. Sam Salazar, OFM. We are still in the planning stage and we hope to be able to set something on how are we going to organize donations and bring it to the designated barangay. Donations will be in kind and if possible it would be cooking wares, utensils, and food supplies. For more information please email or contact the following:

For Metro Manila donations

Fr. Sam Salazar, OFM

Santuario de San Pedro Bautista Parish in Frisco, Q.C.

+639179918539; +639297333770

(02) 373-2971, (02) 415-7235, Telefax (02) 374-4874
 

For MiddleEast Donations

JERRY VILLETA

jsev57704@yahoo.com

CCVF - Chosen Children Village Foundation Wishlist

December 12 is fast approaching. Would it be nice to put smiles in children's faces this Christmas?

Please join in an immersion experience together with some friends on December 12, 2010 at Chosen Children Village Foundation at km.48 Lalaan 2, Silang, Cavite, Philippines. If you want to know more about the project and CCVF you can read my previous post here or go directly to CCVF's site http://www.chosenchildrenvillage.org/index.html

If interested to join or if you want to help in making this project a reality you can contact

You can check their Christmas wish list below:

 

You can be a big brother or sister or dad or mommy for a day for this kids who are orphaned. It would be extra if you can give them something for Christmas like toys they can hug at night or play with in their playtime, books to read in their study time, clothes to keep them warm and some food, toiletries and medical supplies for their care. And if you can and you are willing why not sponsor one child. To sponsor a child you can contact CCVF via email at chosenchildren@yahoo.com or ccvf_1994@yahoo.com .

Child Sponsorship

Sponsor a Child and Make a Difference!

 
Included in the sponsorship is a quarterly progress report on your child, including a recent picture! 

 

For Addresses in the Philippines:

• P300 per month for one year [Philippines]
• P3600 for the first year [ Philippines]

For Addresses in other Asian Countries:

• US$10 per month for one year [Asia]
• US$120 for the first year [Asia]

For Addresses in Europe and Middle East:

• US$12.50 per month for one year [Europe or Middle East]
• US$150 for the first year [Europe or Middle East]

For Addresses in North and Sounth America:

• US$15 per month for one year [North or South America]
• US$180 for the first year [North or South America]

Jeepneed update: 36 hours to go and only $ 962 more to reach the goal

                            source: Youtube

Would it would be nice to watch the Pacquiao & Margarito fight tomorrow? 

But would it be nicer also if JEEPNEED will be able to reach their goal of a total  $ 8,000.00 by tomorrow. JeepNeed is a project that aims to facilitates learning in rural public high schools in the Philippines by providing a customized program in science and technology through a Jeepney.

This transforms a cultural symbol into a fleet of mobile classrooms equipped with 21st century learning technologies and powered by alternative energy. All this at the service of the community and the school.

 

But this project would only be possible if they reached the $8,000.00 pledge/donation by tomorrow so that KickStarters will fund the project. This project will help poor far flung schools who don't have laboratory and computer facilities which is badly needed in their schools.

You can make a difference. 

You can make a difference by pledging any amount with a minimum of $1.00. To make a pledge click this link :

JeepNeed: Magic School Bus for the Philippines

 

If you are not able to make the pledge you can be their ambassador by spreading the word to your friends, family, officemates, and anyone you know who can donate/pledge for the young future of the Philippines. You can adding their FaceBook page by clicking here and sharing to all your Facebook friends .

 

Make a difference; make a pledge today and spread the word. We can do this because we are one.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A PLEDGE

JeepNeed:An idea from a Filipino

source: http://www.jeepneed.org

We can help this organization by pledging an amount so that the group KickStarter will fund them if a pledge of $8,000.00 will be reached by Nov. 14, 2010. To know more about this project check http://www.kickstarter.com/projects to verify such.

Below is an excerpt from the above site:

JeepNeed facilitates learning in rural public high schools in the Philippines by providing a customized program in science and technology through a Jeepney. 

This transforms a cultural symbol into a fleet of mobile classrooms equipped with 21st century learning technologies and powered by alternative energy. All this at the service of the community and the school.

We serve rural public schools through the following services:
1. Place-based relevant and rigorous science and technology

    curriculum
2. Resources and teacher training to build, implement, and manage 

    classes
3. Employment that allows parents to be integrated into the school 

    community
4. Financially sustainable business model by hiring JeepNeed out 

    as a service vehicle

Chosen Children Village Foundation

source: http://www.chosenchildrenvillage.org/

Chosen Children Village Foundation or CCVF is a home for mentally and/or physically challenged children.

They are located in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. The village is a safe haven, a home for life, for abandoned children who are physically and mentally challenged. It consists of several living cottages, a School, a Rehabilitation Center, and additional facilities. 

ARE YOU ATTENDING THE KERYGMA FEAST AT VALLE VERDE IN PASIG? PLEASE CHECK NOTE AT THE END OF THIS POST FOR A PLAN DONATION AND VISIT TO CCVF

To know more about CCVF I quoted this form there website:

The village was founded by Maria Angeles (Lita) Peypoch Fullerton in 1989. Her vision focused on a home environment in caring for Physically and Mentally Challenged Children within a family setting.The traditional institutional setting was something that she felt was not beneficial to the growth and development of such special children with demanding needs. 

 

The Chosen Children Village concept came about after the Las Piñas facility of Chosen Children Inc. was unable to cope with the volume of children needing a home and a family. Located in the cool, clean air of Silang, the 2.4 hectare parcel of land now houses cottages, chapel, school, administration clinic and physical therapy centers. The central focus is a spacious, multi-purpose play area where the children fill the air with laughter and squeals of delight.

There is a continuing need to finance this Village so that many more children will be able to thrive in a home environment. The Chosen Children Village and Chosen Children Inc. are both non-profit organizations that rely on donations in the form of child sponsorships or donations for the buildings' construction. Without help from the general public and corporations, CCV and CCI could not sustain this level of care and education.

Lita Fullerton's philosophy states that each and every one of these children deserves to be cared for by people who will love them with a mother's instinct. At Chosen Children, this happens, and she wants it to continue.

You can help these children achieve full potential inspite of their disability as Maria envisions. You can help through the following means:

Donation to the Village Construction!

Construction Donation Amount

• P6,000 for each square meter of village construction [Philippines]
• US$250 for each square meter of village construction [All other countries] 

Educational Assistance

Child Donation Amount

For Addresses in the Philippines:

• P300 per month for one school year [Philippines]
• P3,300 for 11 month school year [Philippines]

For Addresses in other Asian Countries:

• US$15 per month for one school year [Asia]
• US$165 for 11 month school year [Asia]

For Addresses in Europe and Middle East:

• US$17.50 per month for one school year [Europe or Middle East]
• US$192.50 for 11 month school year [Europe or Middle East]

For Addresses in North and South America:

• US$20 per month for one school year [North or South America]
• US$220 for 11 month school year [North or South America]

Child Sponsorship

Sponsor a Child and Make a Difference!
Included in the sponsorship is a quarterly progress report on your child, including a recent picture!

For Addresses in the Philippines:

• P300 per month for one year [Philippines]
• P3600 for the first year [ Philippines]

For Addresses in other Asian Countries:

• US$10 per month for one year [Asia]
• US$120 for the first year [Asia]

For Addresses in Europe and Middle East:

• US$12.50 per month for one year [Europe or Middle East]
• US$150 for the first year [Europe or Middle East]

For Addresses in North and South America:

• US$15 per month for one year [North or South America]

• US$180 for the first year [North or South America] 

Here is our wishlist of in-kind Donations:

Food

• Milk (Nido, Birch Tree, Promil, Progress, NAN 1) 
• Vegetables 
• Meat (chicken, ground beef) 
• Dairy products (cheese, margarine) 
• Fruits 
• Oatmeal 
• Sugar
• Rice 
• Eggs 
• Noodles
• Flour
• Juices

Vitamins

• Poly-vi-sol syrup
• Chewable Vitamins

Toiletries

• Baby shampoo
• Baby cologne
• Baby lotion 
• Alcohol 
• soaps 
• Cotton 
• Cotton Buds 
• Toothpaste 
• Toothbrush 
• Toilet Paper

Toys

• Little Tikes' Toys (bikes, etc.)
• Educational toys for the school

Clothing

• Diapers (cloth or disposable - sizes: small, medium, large)
• Underwear (sando/briefs/panties - sizes: small, medium, large)
• Socks (for toddlers to 12 years old)
• Pajamas (for toddlers to 12 years old)

Electric Appliances

Electric fans (either ceiling or wall fans)  Children's VCD / DVD player Electric Mixer Electric Iron Emergency lights with rechargeable batteries

Generator  Heavy-duty floor polisher  Washer  Dryer  Airconditioner TV  Computer Airpot

Drinking fountain (for school)  Xerox Machine (for school)  Rice cooker Blender  Nebulizer

Furnitures

Sala set  Tables  Office furniture

Chairs  Beds  Cribs

Others

Disinfectants (Lysol)  Laundry Detergent  Zonrox (bleach)  Crib bumpers

Strollers  Baby walkers  Bedsheets

  

To donate email chosenchildren@yahoo.com or ccvf_1994@yahoo.com .

Or you may contact them through their following contacts:

Chosen Children, Inc.
Nursery and Headquarters
#6 Ilocos Abra St., Philamlife Village
Las Pinas, Metro Manila, Philippines

email: chosenlp@mozcom.com
Telephone: (632)872-5022
Fax: (632)872-1760

Chosen Children Village
km.48 Lalaan 2
Silang, Cavite, Philippines

email:chosenchildren@yahoo.com
Telephone: (046)414-2667 / (046)414-2669
Fax: (046)414-2668

useful for contact information within the United States
Chosen Children-USA
Chosen Children - c/o Natania Meredith
201 E. Collingswood Ave.,
Haddon TWSP, NJ. 08107

Telephone: 267-516-5442
 

useful for contact information within the United States
Chosen Children-United States
Chosen Children - c/o Karen King
625 Abingdon Drive
Oxford, PA 19363, USA

Telephone: 610-932-5883
 

useful for Mailing information within the United States
Chosen Children USA
Care of: Ms. Rebecca Killerbrew
3713 Appleby Court
Glenwood, MD 21738
United States of America
email: snoopy@connext.net
Telephone: (410)442-2994 / (410)489-4988

Chosen Children Filipinas
Muntaner, 374-376
08006 Barcelona, Spain

Fax:(343)202-3390 

Or if you have the time to go and visit you can join the immersion program:

 

CCVF is offering IMMERSION!!!

WANT TO:

1. know about child rehabilitation?
2. enhance your feeding skills?
3. know more about:
   down syndrome
   cebral palsy
   autism
4. learn the real meaning of helping 

please send them an email if interested: chosenchildren@yahoo.com or ccvf_1994@yahoo.com .

FOR KERYGMA FEAST ATTENDEES

Also if you are attending the Kerygma Feast at Valle Verde Pasig you can inquire about the planned visit by one of the sisters. Look for  to know more about it.

The planned is to bring donations specially what is on their wishlist on December 12, 2010 and if the number of volunteers is enough a possible visit to be a big brother or sister on that same day as well. It is still in the planning stage so it would be nice if you can contact

to make this program happen...a Christmas gift to yourself and these children.