RC Makati Video-News: Last Angel Gift-giving 2024

It's been another banner year for our annual gift-giving activity, the Last Angel Project, organized by our Rotary Anns. Conceived in Rotary Year 1998-99 by then incoming First Ann Brin Panlilio and brought to life by Ann Angela Quila as its first chairperson, the Last Angel Project draws inspiration from a touching story in Reader’s Digest. It tells of a poor orphan who, on Christmas Eve, received the last angel from a tree of gifts in a department store—a gift from a kind woman who would later become her adoptive mother. Over the years, this tradition has blossomed, with the immediate past First Ann taking on the role of chairperson. This year, the project was led by IPP Bing Matoto, with incredible support from Anns Tess Aseoche, Cecille Dayrit, Rose Galvez, Trina Galvez, Rachel Harrison, Cat Rufino, Marie Segura, Amy Villatuya, and the entire Rotary Anns team. The Last Angel Project reached new milestones this year, with record-high donations totaling P1.2 million and a remarkable number of beneficiaries—nearly 3,800 children. The journey began on November 22, when Christmas came early for 65 students in our feeding program at P. Villanueva Elementary School in Pasay City. This joyful event marked the kick-off of this year’s Last Angel Project. On November 27, we visited two familiar sites in Makati. First, the Bantay Bata ward at the Makati Social Development Center and Makati Youth Home, where children received gifts from their carefully curated wish lists, including clothing and shoes. Meals were also provided. Later, at the Bahay Maria Foundation, 16 orphans were treated to gifts and a meal, spreading the warmth of the season. Even on a holiday, on November 30, Rotarians and Anns gathered at the RC Makati Clubhouse to bring joy to over 200 children from our adopted barangay in partnership with RCC Bukluran. In December, the momentum grew. On December 6, the team visited the Philippine Institute for the Deaf in Pandacan, Manila, where 105 deaf children received gifts. The next day, on December 7, 150 children from the Sto. Niño de Pandacan community, mostly beneficiaries of our RC Makati for Babies program, were filled with joy as they received presents and meals The journey continued across the region: • On December 11, 320 children at San Juan Nepomuceno School in Pasay and 150 children at St. Claire of Assisi Parish in Longos, Malabon, experienced the spirit of Christmas. • On December 12, we brought gifts to 104 special needs children at Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Makati, home to our Interactors. • On December 13, we traveled to Tanay, Rizal, providing gifts to 70 children enrolled in our feeding program at Rawang Elementary School. On December 14, we visited several Gawad Kalinga communities in Taguig, distributing gifts to 75 children at GK Laura Drive, 65 children at CWC GK, and another 65 children at GK Jack N’ Jill." On December 15, 65 children from GK Sunshineville in Las Piñas received gifts and kiddie meals. In the afternoon, we brought joy to 65 street children enrolled in the Bolanday Project in Luneta. Partnering with the Makati PNP, we distributed gifts to over 330 children of policemen, making their holiday season extra special on December 16. On December 18, 150 children at Makabata Foundation School in Pasig received gifts, reminding them that they are loved and cared for. On December 19, 30 orphans at Sta. Rita Orphanage in Parañaque and 110 special needs children at Stepping Stone in Paranaque were treated to gifts and a festive celebration. On December 20, the team brought joy to 120 children at GK Smokey Mountain in Tondo and 70 children at GK Tatalon in Quezon City. On December 21, 200 children at the Marillac Hills Training Center in Muntinlupa and 150 PWD kids at San Pedro Calungsod Parish received gifts and shared in the holiday spirit. On December 22, just days before Christmas, we brought the spirit of the season to 120 children in the community of the Jesuit Mission Station in Caloocan." After Christmas, on December 28, we visited our adopted community at Rotary Homes Parañaque, distributing gifts to over 300 children in Par 1 and Par 3 of the community. Thanks to your generosity and the unwavering commitment of our Rotarians and Anns, the Last Angel Project continues to spread love and joy. Together, we’re creating brighter futures—one angel at a time. Thank you for your support, and see you next year!