Rotary San Juan Gems parties with special kids
MANILA, Philippines - Taking to heart the Rotary motto “Service above Self,” the all-women Rotary Club San Juan GEMS (Go the Extra Mile in Service) celebrated the start of club year 2011-2012 with a party not for themselves but for the most helpless and vulnerable sector of society: orphans, street children, and kids born with special needs .
Held last month at the Jollibee branch of Alphaland Southgate Mall in Makati, the children’s party was well attended, with the Rotarians joined by 20 abandoned special children from the Center for Possibilities, 25 orphan street children from Virlanie Foundation, and 20 “Futkaleros,” street kids-turned-footballers from Tondo Boy’s School.
The children were treated to a face painter who drew colorful designs on their eager faces, while a balloon artist wowed them with balloon dogs, monkeys, swords, and other fun shapes. There was music that made everyone dance, and great games with amazing prizes. Every child met and had their picture taken with the Jollibee mascots, and all took home a school bag filled with school and art supplies, T-shirts, and toys.
“It’s a great feeling, to see the smiles and hear the laughter of children who have had to face such difficulties and challenges in life,” says Dolores Cheng, president of RC San Juan Gems and the founder of Center For Possibilities, a foundation dedicated to children with special needs and their families. “What better way to start a new year of service than to bring joy to those who need our help the most!”
She adds, “The theme of Rotary this year is ‘Reach Within to Embrace Humanity.’ It’s a challenge to Rotarians to harness their inner resolve and strength, channeling it to projects that support families, continue past good works, and affect positive change. As a longtime advocate of helping children in need, I hope to make our club a catalyst for change for these kids’ lives.”
The party marks the first activity of RC San Juan Gems this year. Chartered in 2009, the club, composed of women entrepreneurs and professionals, has launched several projects, including literacy programs in Sibol, Mandaluyong and adopting a barangay in Smokey Mountain.
