I recently returned from my first of many trips to the Philippines.
Although our Chairman, Barry Harrigan, has gone over 30 times, I have not had a chance to go despite working with over 1,000 Philippine colleagues and forging close relationships and bonds with these amazing teammates over the past 10 years.
This trip was all about working with the Philippine community partners and leadership team to visit the impoverished communities in person to learn, gain insight, and work together to try and solve the poverty issue in ways that are sustainable, empowering and unique to each community.
Pure Bayanihan is all about empowerment. We never want to create dependence and are extremely mindful of how our projects affect the local economy. Our goal is that those who are beneficiaries today will become volunteers in the future, helping their fellow Filipinos rise above poverty.
Although I know how wonderful our leadership team is, my appreciation for them has only grown stronger. Their commitment to doing things the right way is an example of their integrity.
And the community partners they have chosen to work with are amazing! These are people that are giving their very lives to help those around them.
There is one pastor who so wants the kids that live in the mountains to be able to attend school, he is letting 24 of them live in his small house – while he sleeps in a hammock.
That is just one of many, many examples.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity and support. It is because of donors like you that we are able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Your donations are being used responsibly and effectively, and I witnessed firsthand how they are transforming communities, uplifting families and changing lives.
Once again, thank you for your continued support. We couldn’t do this without you.
