Delivering hope in the Philippines amid the pandemic
LOVE transcends boundaries and quarantines. That was the important takeaway of 2020 for both the UPS volunteers and the families of SOS Children’s Villages, who participated in a series of virtual visits by UPS employees who were ‘Uncles’ and ‘Aunties’ for a day.
As a longtime patron of SOS Children’s Villages, UPS Philippines traditionally engages the non-governmental organization with visits to its villages in Manila and Cebu by volunteers. The sessions help in the social and emotional development of the abandoned, neglected, and orphaned children who SOS Children’s Villages support, and is a regular affair that both sides look forward to.
With the Coronavirus pandemic and its restrictions, volunteers at UPS Philippines took up the challenge of taking their activities virtual, and organized games and storytelling to provided much-needed interaction to the children during lockdown.
Arnold, a resident at SOS Children’s Village Manila, shared that he enjoyed being able to continue the regular conversations with the ‘uncles’ and ‘aunties’. “I enjoyed the most when we were able to introduce ourselves and our dreams. I learned from them that even though there is a pandemic, they are able to find and share the time to interact with us and understand our situation in the village. The experience enriched me through listening to their advice and thoughts, not just about how we will achieve our dreams and still manage to have many activities even when there is a pandemic. Thank you for spending your time just to see us and ask us how we are right now. I look forward to the next virtual visits to be just as fun,”he added.
“The most memorable experience during the activity was when we played games, and we were able to talk comfortably with the uncles and aunties. I was enlightened more when they gave us advice. I was able to realize more that I am blessed being here in SOS, because everything we need is here and not everyone can experience this kind of life. I would like to say that they continue to support children in need with care, love and support and may God always bless them. I am looking forward to more interesting activities,” shared Cristine of SOS Children’s Village Manila.
“Our engagement with SOS Children’s Villages blossomed with the virtual activities we had. We hope than in our own small ways, we brightened the children’s days in these extraordinary times. The experience was a priceless opportunity,” explained Nikki Ambion, co-chair of the UPS Philippines Community Involvement Committee.
In support of Typhoon Ulysses efforts, UPS Philippines raised cash donations, sacks of rice and nearly 250 food baskets containing canned goods, noodles, coffee, milk, and biscuits.
And together with Operation Blessing Foundation, a nonprofit organization, UPS distributed the donations to affected families in the Cagayan, Calabarzon, and Bicol regions.