Balay’s Coming together for others in 2014

Our Christmas gift-giving to the street children in December 2014 had many firsts. For the first time in 20 years, two founders had the majority of their families involved in Balay’s annual event. A first too for children to wrap their own pre-loved toys to share with their less fortunate peers. In Balay’s two decades of gift-giving tradition, for the first time, we have children work so hard in the preparation and distribution of the food and other children’s goodies and presents for giving to other kids so they too may enjoy the spirit of Christmas Another first was for us to have been honoured with the support of friends from overseas, who came to the Philippines for the Christmas holidays, laden with hand carried goodies for distribution at Balay’s gift giving. We were especially blessed as well with extra helping hands, aside from our long time “labourers for love”, for the cooking and packing of food for at least 150 children. And what a joy to have a talented photographer who, though was in the Philippines only for the holidays, took time to painstakingly take photos so we may share our glee in pictures with Balay supporters all over the world! And so Balay’s Christmas 2014 Event was special in such a way that it was a prelude to what is to come – something that is larger than all of us put together. What is to come is a result of the working together of adults and children for others, for a better future, a better life!

And children working so hard to make other kids happy! Isn’t that cool?

And when you see faces light up with delight, that of both the giver and receiver, then you know it was worth it,,,,,, every second of your time and effort!