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"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you"

John 15:12

Friday, November 26, 2010

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 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.

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