Christmas is the biggest holiday celebration every Filipino looks forward to – in fact, we even start celebrating as early as September. That’s when festive decor takes over, the gift shopping begins, and the Noche Buena menus start coming together.
With all that going on, it’s easy to forget our countrymen who aren’t as fortunate as us. In the true spirit of giving, here are 7 local charity programs you can help out this festive season to truly enjoy the gift of giving.
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Image credit: @ninisacro via Instagram
Founded by mountaineer and artist Nini Andrada Sacro in 2010, Climb Against Cancer Pilipinas is a volunteer group that has spent 9 years, and counting, sending school supplies to indigenous kids and kids who have been diagnosed with cancer. The group holds many programs all year long, and the Christmas season is no different.
Image credit: Nini Andrada Sacro via Facebook
Once again, they’ll be holding a Christmas in the Mountains event where they distribute gifts, from toys to grocery packs, to kids in remote mountain communities and cancer pediatric wards. If you want to join them, you can still go and volunteer in sites all over Luzon on the 20th, 23rd, and 28th of December.
To make donations, whether in cash or items, you can contact Nini Andrada Sacro at the number below or through her social media accounts. You can also join their Facebook group CLIMB AGAINST CANCER Pilipinas for updates on their public events.
Dates: 20th, 23rd, & 28th December 2023
Contact: 0916 316 2879
Image credit: @worldvisionphl via Instagram
Noche Buena is an important part of every Filipino family’s Christmas, but some families don’t have the means to celebrate it. Fortunately, local charities have been working hard to ensure that each family has something on their table on Christmas Eve.
By making a minimum donation of P1,000 (~USD17.95) to World Vision’s Noche Buena Campaign, you’ll be funding Noche Buena gifts for up to 2 kids. In the past few years, they were able to help thousands of families. Now, you can help contribute to this big change this year.
Image credit: @projectpearls via Instagram
Project PEARLS aims to better the Christmases of our less-fortunate countrymen, and it shows in the number of programs they’re holding this holiday season and beyond.
Every kid deserves to have food and a gift to open on Christmas day, and the organization’s Noche Buena and Gift Giving, among others, is a program where they distribute food and presents to families in areas that they visit. They’re currently looking for volunteers, so if you’re interested, here’s your chance.
Alternatively, you can make monetary or in-kind donations, from clothes to books and even medicine, that’ll be sent out to kids and families. Click the link here to find out how.
To see the full list of programs and their details, click here.
Image credit: @bazaarwhisperer via Instagram
Expats aren’t left out of the equation when it comes to giving back to the community. Although it’s an event held by foreigners, the products you’ll find at over 300 booths at the AWCP Charity Bazaar are all made locally. You can take your pick from everything that ranges from handmade jewelry and clothes, to local cuisine.
Not only will you be supporting local businesses, you’ll also be donating to local charities, which is where the proceeds from this bazaar goes. Going since 1991, you can continue to support these causes well beyond the Christmas season.
If you missed this year’s bazaar, you can definitely check out the next one, coming soon in March of 2024.
Address: 3rd Level, SMX Convention Center Aura, Functions 1 & 2, BGC, Taguig
Dates: 12th March 2024
Opening hours: 10am-5pm
Image credit: @worldbazaarfestival via Instagram
If you love shopping, then The World Bazaar Festival is an event that you check out. Running till 22nd December, you can still get some last-minute shopping done whether you’re looking for games, jewelry, and even local produce.
Not only will you be able to find some Christmas gifts for your friends and family, but you’ll also get to give back to the community as the bazaar is geared towards helping children and making Filipinos’ lives better – definitely a win-win!
Address: 2nd Floor, World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay Extension corner, 1300 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Pasay
Dates: 13th-22nd December 2023
Opening hours: 10am-9pm
Image credit: UNICEF Philippines
If you like locally-produced art, then you’ll want to check out UNICEF Philippines‘ Christmas cards for this year. Created by Filipino painter Mauro “Malang” Santos, you’ll get a set of 10 cards for every one-time donation (from P1,000, ~USD17.95) given.
What’s more, all the money donated from the cards will come out to children in need, focusing on life-saving and building resources.
Not only will you be able to send out limited-edition cards to your family, but you’ll also be able to help those in need this Christmas. Truly, there’s no greater gift than this.
Image credit: Caritas Manila
Caritas Manila’s Segunda Mana program is another one to look into if you’re interested in sending out in-kind donations to children and families in need. Donations such as clothes, shoes, toys, and even functioning tech devices from computers to office equipment are welcomed.
So if you’re open to helping out and donating, you can click the link here to see which outlets are accepting donations. This way, you’ll be supporting all three of their development programs with certain skills of interest.
You’ll have made quite an impact just by the small gesture of donating.
With the Christmas season fast approaching, it’s good to remember the opportunities that allow you to celebrate the holidays. While you’re celebrating the season of giving, take this chance to give back to the community and support these Metro Manila charity programs.
Christmas isn’t just about receiving gifts and decorating trees after all, it’s spreading love and charity to friends, family, and everyone who might need it.
Also, check out Noche Buena recipes, markets and shops in Metro Manila to get Christmas decor, and Metro Manila Christmas activities. For more recommendations like this, head to The Smart Local Philippines.
Cover image adapted from: Caritas Manila, @worldvisionphl via Instagram
Article originally published by Hazel Lumbre on November 2019. Last updated by Jaya Fanoga on December 2023.
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