Bringing Joy to Rural Communities: A Gift-Giving Event in Naujan, Mindoro

In December 2022, one of our members Ira Lehmann together with her friends and family organised a gift-giving event in the rural town of Naujan, Mindoro in the Philippines. The event was specifically designed to bring joy to the local children between the ages of 5 and 12. The journey to the event was an adventure in itself, as the organisers and participants had to wade through a stream riding on carabaos, which are a type of water buffalo native to the Philippines, to reach the farm where the event was held.

Upon arrival, the children were greeted with a festive atmosphere and the excitement was palpable. A total of 30 children were in attendance and were given a set of school supplies, including a backpack, notebooks, pad papers, pencils and pens, sharpener and eraser, hygiene kit and some snacks. The children’s eyes lit up with joy as they received their gifts, and the organisers could see the impact that this small act of kindness had on the children and their families.

In addition to the gift-giving, the organisers also raffled off some toys, adding to the excitement of the event. The children also sang Christmas carols and performed a dance number, which was a heart warming and entertaining experience for everyone in attendance.

The gift-giving event in Naujan was a success, not only in terms of the tangible gifts that were given, but also in the sense of bringing joy and hope to the children and their families in the rural community. It was a reminder that a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life. The organisers hope to continue this tradition and bring joy to other rural communities in the Philippines in the future.