house of hope

President Rodrigo Duterte (PRD) may be known for his tough-talking stance and seemingly uncouth countenance but you can never fault him for not having a soft spot for people in need. 

it came as no surprise then when this small book came out with proceeds going to the davao children's cancer fund inc - house of hope.  for only PhP 149.00,  you get to know PRD through his speeches while helping out. even if you are not a fan of the man, do buy and get to help the kids. 

the house of hope for children with cancer or HoH provides temporary shelter for kids with cancer seeking treatment in davao along with their families. most of these kids come from indigent families across mindanao and a temporary shelter goes a long way to improving the kids chances of survival.

please check out their site and see how else you can help - http://www.kidsofhope.org/house-of-hope.html

Caritas : Donating in Kind

i stumbled across this box on my way to the Metro Ayala Supermarket at the Ayala Center Cebu recently.

if you have items that are just gathering dust that you are willing to part with for a good cause, this box will be happy to have them. your items are going to be resold in segunda mana charity stores and proceeds will be used to fund caritas' programs for the poor (http://caritas.org.ph/inkind.php).

caritas manila  ( see: http://caritas.org.ph/ ) is a catholic non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping the poor with the thrust in reducing poverty. other than the segunda-mana box, one can donate cash or be a volunteer. please check out their website for details.

paying it forward

help. ayuda. tabang. tasukete. socorro.

no matter how it is said, once extended makes both the giver and the receiver feel good.
at one point in our lives,  we have been at either ends. and while it feels good when someone does come forward to help you out, it is infinitely better to be at the giving end.

helping out is inherent to man.
while some may have been burnt for having been taken advantage of or by becoming victims of scams and other shenanigans, seeing other people go through difficult times still tugs at the heart of any common man.

as my father often reminded me - we do not help so we can get help later. we help because we can.

and let's not turn our eyes and hearts away from those in need.
as is commonly said, it is better to give than to receive.