Sagip-Gutom Program: Fight Covid-19, A Fundraising Project to Feed 100 Indigent Families
April 03, 2020
I am on one of the believers of the power of the Law of Attraction.
The law of attraction is really obedient. When you think of the things that you want, and focus on them with all your intention, then the law of attraction will give you exactly what you want, every time." - Lisa Nichols, Author and Personal Empowerment Advocate
So, I always do my best to focus only on the good to attract goodness in my life. But I am only human. No matter what I do, there is a point that negativity has its way to consume me especially when I am tempted to open Facebook and browse hostile posts. This is the reason why I do my best to avoid watching the news or browse negative posts on social media. The frustration towards corrupt politicians, government leaders who lack political will, rants towards the government, broken friendships due to opposite political beliefs, fake news, and so much pessimism take its toll on my perceptions and beliefs that leads me to explain my side towards the issues that turns me into a pessimist for a while. Then upon realizing that my act attracts more negativity to my being, I would immediately put down my post and divert my emotions and thoughts into something positive. Aside from this, the tendency of ranting on my friends on our Messenger group chat could occur without me thinking that not all of my friends could handle cynicism.
So if you're anti-war, be pro-peace instead. If you're anti-hunger, be pro-people having more than enough to eat. If you are anti-a-particular politician, be pro-his opponent. Often elections are tipped in favor of the person that the people are really against because he's getting all the energy and all the focus." - Hale Drowskin, Author of the New York Times bestseller The Sedona Method
Moreover, this post by a friend hit me:
Life is full of stresses and uncertainty. As in 'fulll', sobrang nakapupuno na. Ang daming naapektuhang mga taong inosente na sumusunod naman. Haist.... Gabi-gabi nag-iisip na 'ko ng mga bagay na pwede kong magawa para makatulong ng simple sa mga taong sobrang wala. Sa totoo lang 'di sapat ang isang plastic na makakain para sa isang buwang pagkukulong sa bahay. Ang kailangan ngayon ay pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa, hindi pagsisilipan ng bulok na gawa.
She is right. In a time like this, we have to convert our efforts and divert our energy into something useful and beneficial for the needy. Then on a separate chat room, this is the exact message that she has sent to me:
Good evening po.
I want to consult something po sana.
Actually, I was praying for wisdom like "How can contribute and give others hope sa gitna ng pandemic na ito? Kasi sa totoo lang po I really want to help but I can't do it on my own. My means and my resources aren't fit at all. This time I am consulting you with this. Dito po sa kasi sa amin, dahil squatters kami, feel na feel ko 'yung emptiness and insufficiency ng mga tao rito. Yes, I'm much greatful kasi kahit paano my sahod ako. And I came up with the idea na possible po kaya makahingi ako ng help financially sa mga closest friends and co-teachers ko? At least kahit konti man o marami 'pag pinagsama-sama marami pa rin... Maraming matutulungn 'di man lahat. Sa tingin n'yo po? Possible po ba 'yun? Kayo po kasi ang naisip ko. Ilang araw na akong natambay and I feel like I have to do something. Ang daming namimigay sa TV, may Kapuso, Kapamilya, Kadamay, Kapatid pero kahit isa walang naligaw sa amin. 'Yung feeling mo na sa sobrang dami nila 'di mo alam kung 90% pa ba nakarating sa tao. Kasi 'di talaga makakarating 'yung 100% e. Sorry po ah. Haha."
Para akong binuhusan bigla ng malamig na tubig with all honesty. At the same time, I felt so honored because despite having so many friends, she thought about me in a time of discernment.
This friend of mine is thinking of ways to help her needy neighbors while most of us are busy being keyboard warriors. In my case, I always do my best to stay optimistic and share posts that speak of positivity and encouragement but I guess, they are not enough. As an individual, like my friend, I also have to do something more for others despite the fact that I am not rich.
During our conversation, she has mentioned that she's planning to help 100 families in her neighborhood who have nothing to feed their members. I've encouraged her that it is possible to help by making it simple but impactful. There are people out there who are willing to help but don't have the capacity to initiate a cause. There are also individuals who want to do something charitable but are not sure if their help can reach the right people.
In line with this, all of us have our own crosses to bear. All of us have our own concerns in this coronavirus crisis. But if we spend our time alleviating the sorrow and pain of our kababayans instead of ranting on social media, we can help change the lives of others in a positive way. My friend, I believe, serves an answered prayer for me. Like her, I also want to help but I don't know how to start. This is it. This is the time to make a difference. Instead of thinking ill of our government officials who lack the right judgment, ranting on Facebook, posting fake news, blaming other people for causing too much trouble, helping the needy is the best way to ward off negativity and to spread love.
Then "Sagip-Gutom Program: Fight COVID19, A Fundraising Project to Feed 100 Indigent Families" has been conceived by my friend, Teacher Cristina Oguin. She is my classmate and friend in Arellano University Graduate School, a resident of Quezon City. She has gathered her group of friends in a Messenger group chat to begin fundraising. In less than 12 hours, the group has raised Php9,000 from close friends and loved ones. Amazing, isn't it?
The group is planning to give 100 families a Php300 worth of grocery items each. But if the fund exceeds to the target amount, the group is going to double or triple the grocery items in order to sustain their needs not just for a week but for months until the lockdown is over.
Sagip-Gutom program: Fight Covid-19 Poster created by Mr. Martin Cross Valdez |
I am so blessed and honored to be part of this project. I am so thankful to Cristina for including yours truly in her dream of helping the needy.
So, my dear friends, I don't want to pressure you but if you want to donate kahit magkano pang amount po 'yan, it is very much welcome and appreciated. Kapag ang maliit na halaga ay pinagsama-sama, malayo ang mararating.
Thank you so much in advance for your generosity. God bless you more. You may send your cash donations through the following:
*Palawan express
Name: Maria Cristina N. Oguin
Number: 09954577720
Relationship: friend
Purpose: donation
*BDO Online Banking
008540054235
Maria Cristina N. Oguin
*Gcash:
09954577720
Maria Cristina N. Oguin
By the way, we apologize for not disclosing the exact address in Quezon City where the help will be given due to security purposes. Rest assured that any amount that you will give will reach the needy. We will update you regarding the "Sagip-Gutom Program: Fight COVID-19, A Fundraising Project to Feed 100 Indigent Families" via my Facebook Page and through the comment section below. Transparency and honesty matter to both parties. Thank you very much.