CLUB EXTENDS SUPPORT TOSUNDAY FOOD N’ BOOKS SA LUNETA

In every service initiative, our guiding principle has always been impact—creating

meaningful change in the lives of those we serve. When a project proves its ability to uplift, inspire, and produce lasting results, we commit to sustaining and strengthening it. This is precisely the case with our ongoing support for the Sunday Food N’ Books sa

Luneta program in partnership with Bolanday Inc.

The results speak for themselves. According to the July progress report, the initiative has led to remarkable improvements in the children’s well-being. Street kids participating in the program are noticeably happier and healthier, and attendance has steadily increased—an encouraging sign of trust, consistency, and deeper engagement. More importantly, the project has ignited a renewed desire for learning among these children. Several have been included in a scholarship program, and in one inspiring case, an out- of-school youth took the initiative to enroll himself in an alternative learning program after being motivated through the sessions.

On October 26, a delegation of RC Makati Rotarians—led by IPP Keith & Rachel Harrison,

Boy Arteche, Angela Garcia, and Baby Rotarian Ken & Yam Vergaño—spent their Sunday

morning with the Luneta street children to formally launch the program’s second year of support. During the brief program, Bolanday Project founder Ida Arezza expressed heartfelt gratitude to RC Makati for its unwavering support in uplifting the lives of street children in Luneta. IPP Keith shared his joy in seeing the Club continue this meaningful initiative, which began during his term last year. Boy emphasized the enduring impact of the program, affirming RC Makati’s belief that the youth are our future and deserve opportunities to learn, grow, and dream. Angela, who introduced Art Sunday to the Bolanday kids, proudly showcased the children’s artworks—now transformed into greeting cards and displayed for sale at a café in Alabang.

RC Makati further demonstrated its commitment by turning over a ₱40,000 donation to support Art Sunday and provide school uniforms for Bolanday children affected by the recent Tondo fire. This follows the Club’s previous ₱200,000 contribution during a recent dinner meeting, which funds another full year of the Sunday Food N’ Books program. After the brief turnover, Art Sunday activities began, with Angela bringing a large canvas

and guest artist Julyan Harrison leading the children in completing a collaborative painting.

The Food n’ Books (FnB) program is one of the six core pillars of Bolanday—a feeding

and literacy initiative designed to support children’s nutritional and educational needs. It also serves as a platform to identify young learners eligible for Bolanday’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP). The initiative includes the weekly Sunday Food n’ Books

sa Luneta for street children in Luneta and Rizal Park, where kids enjoy three hours of outdoor reading, games, and a nutritious meal. Complementing this is the Community FnB Reading Corner Literacy Project, which caters to up to 100 children in Grades 1–3 across local communities.

If you happen to be in Manila on a Sunday, we encourage you to drop by and witness the program firsthand. Not only will your presence uplift the children— it will also remind you of the profound impact we create, one Sunday at a time.