Social enterprise supports Marawi rehabilitation
Human Nature, a social enterprise brand of natural beauty and personal care products, is supporting the HOPE Marawi Rehabilitation Initiative.
The Marawi initiative is part of the worldwide effort called PEACE Plan (Promote reconciliation, Equip leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick and Educate the next generation) established by California-based Evangelical group Saddleback Church. The initiative encourages and equips local Christian churches to respond to the needs of their communities.
HOPE Marawi Rehabilitation Initiative is currently serving 165 internally displaced Meranaw families now based in Brgy. Delabayan in the Municipality of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.
The PEACE Plan initiative aims to build the New Hope Village, consisting of at least 100 houses. The village will be the first of its kind to rise in Mindanao.
“You may think that we’re just building houses but in reality, it’s more than that. We’re helping rebuild lives, giving families a second chance,” says PEACE Plan Ambassador for Southeast Asia Kaka Constantino.
Last March, Human Nature launched a new Goodness Rising effort to support the HOPE Marawi Rehabilitation Initiative. The company aims to build fifty Houses of Hope in Delabayan.
Goodness Rising is an employee-driven fundraising effort that began in 2013 during the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. The initiative proves that no act of kindness is insignificant. To date, the combined efforts of Human Nature employees, advocates and customers has raised over P20 million in funding to help various causes.
In 2014, it helped 100 houses for Typhoon Yolanda survivors in Tambuililid, Ormoc City and 20 homes for fisherfolk who were also affected by Typhoon Yoland in Cadiz Viejo, Negros Occidental.
In 2016, Goodness Rising funded the scholarships of 50 students of Gawad Kalinga’s School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development. The following year, it raised P7.5 million in funding to build 50 homes for families in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.
Last February, Human Nature sent its first team of employees to Delabayan to participate in community-building efforts. Kin Mabuan, a digital marketing associate relates her experience:
“Their lives have been put on hold. The displaced don't have proper shelter. An evacuation center can only provide so much comfort. We all begin with pity but what they need more is compassion... because you know in your heart of hearts that it is what they need. Not your politics, not your personal beliefs – but the premium you put on life and in death.”
HELPING GOODNESS RISE
Anyone can help goodness rise in their community in three easy ways:
Buy Human Nature DEET-free Bug Shield products Human Nature Mandaue Cebu Branch at the G/F JaB Building, A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City or simply call 4109859/4124354/09228365442 to order. All profits from the Bug Shield products will be given to Goodness Rising.
Buy limited edition stylish Gadget organizers and other special merchandise from social enterprise, Mori Notes, at Human Nature Mandaue Branch. All proceeds will also fund houses for the Village of Hope Marawi.
Get your tickets for Goodness Rises, An Afternoon with Dylan Wilk, Social Entrepreneur and Human Nature CEO, on June 16, 2:30 p.m. at the USC Michael Richartz Center, Talamban Campus. All donations from this event will raise houses for the Village of Hope Marawi. Call Human Nature Mandaue Branch at 4109859/ 09228365442 for tickets and ticket reservations.