Christmas cheer
It is the season for gift-giving especially to those who have less in life, the marginalized sectors of Philippine society. Such a worthy endeavor even if it happens only once a year; even if the TV programs show their talents more than the beneficiaries; even when the venue is plastered with tarpaulins with photos of donors who just happen to be running in the May 2019 elections; and even if it’s time to dispose of old clothes and accessories.
It may be time to level up our bringing in the Christmas cheer by helping the marginalized sectors attain sustainable improvement and empowerment by spreading our gift the whole year rather than one moment in time. Engaging the informal dwellers long before December could identify needs – better housing location (will take some time looking for areas close enough to employment) but homes on stilts could work; potable water and sanitation system could be provided; livelihood skills training with the establishment of a cooperative or association to undertake production with help in linking to markets; regular health checkup with provision for free medicines on a continuing basis; identifying children of school age but not going to school and address their needs; and others that the community can better pinpoint. Such an array of service opportunities for philanthropists and NGOs!
Homes for the aged are a favorite destination for Christmas do-gooders. They bring delicious food (although fast foods are ready and quick servings; making an old lady complain that having them every day was just too much), bring entertainment even getting the old folks to dance and have raffles with necessities as prizes. Hardly any remember to bring magazines (yes, they want to read in their free time) or individual portable radios (listening to their soap operas). In one such activity I decided to leave the crowd and engage an old lady in a conversation, that for me was both informative and interesting. I realised that having someone to talk with was something that the aged longed for and how it would lift spirits if service organisations established a yearlong schedule of visits that included more opportunities for this type of engagement.
Hospitals are another favorite destination with most heading for the children’s ward. I sent an assistant to check with a government hospital close to our condo. She was informed that the whole month of December and early January were all taken by generous donors. She learned there were others forgotten and needs left unattended – the aged were hardly visited. It reminded me of Mother Teresa who took care of those left dying in the streets of Calcutta. There were many who could not afford to buy the medicines. I recalled the times when my son was doing his internship when his call asking for help would interrupt a board meeting and I had to prevail on the board to part with their per diems. Some had given up but they had no money for transportation back to their province. Instead of being a Santa Claus, can those who are helping be good Samaritans throughout the year. Just identify a simple need and deal with it consistently.
Let us spread the Christmas cheer throughout the year!
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