Happy New Year!

Posted on January 6, 2012 by admin

2011 was a very good year for A Better Chance Foundation!

In 2011, we celebrated our 10th year anniversary, and we set record highs with our donation coin can collections, and with the number of prescription eyeglasses we provided to needy students in public schools. And to top it all off, we finished the year with 94 sponsors, and counting, till the end of the school year.

Because of Charity Partners like the Springboard Foundation, The Rotary Club of Makati, and the Manila St. Andrew’s Society, who believe in the effectiveness of our Eyeglass Project, we were able to give away over 1,000 pairs of prescription eyeglasses in 6 different public schools in Parañaque, Caloocan City, and Cainta, Rizal.

At the start of S.Y. 2011-2012, our scholar count was at 1,130, with 148 College scholars – the most number of college scholars we’ve had since starting the program, thanks to Springboard Foundation and Robert Bosch, Inc. who pledged to sponsor their 76 Night High Scholars through college.

With 75 days left of S.Y. 2011-2012, we are getting ready for year-end activities, such as Thanksgiving programs (Gabi ng Pasasalamat), and graduations, as well as activities for the new school year, which starts in June.  Before the school year ends, we will be interviewing incoming scholars for Night High School, and college scholars from our pool of Night High graduates.

On February 3, we will be having our 4th Night High Scholars’ General Assembly at Siena College, Taytay, and we will also be celebrating the 10th anniversaries of A Better Chance Foundation, and the Night High School Scholarship Program of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.  We will be inviting sponsors, friends, and supporters to join us in celebrating these milestones, and we hope to see you there!

In March, we will have 105 Night High scholars graduating from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, Quezon City, and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and 5 college graduates with Bachelor’s degrees in engineering, accounting, nursing, and mass communications.  It makes us so proud to see our once shy, insecure, scholars graduate as mature, confident, assertive, young individuals, ready for the new challenges in their lives.

We would like to thank all our sponsors, partner schools, organizations, scholars, volunteers, and friends who have untiringly supported and encouraged us, not just in 2011, but for the last 10 years.  Your support and donations have enabled us to help children from the poorest of the poor get the education and health services they deserve.  We would not have made it this far without you!

Thank you, and we wish you all a prosperous and peaceful 2012.

Posted in Angels at Work, Annoucements, Charity Partners, College Scholars, Corporate Sponsors, Donation Can Helpers, Donations / Sponsorships, Events / Activities, Eyeglass Projects, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Individual Sponsors, Night High School, Outreach Projects, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Quezon City, Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Bosch Class of 2010 Christmas Party

Posted on December 21, 2011 by admin

*By Alexis Balansag

It’s been 6 six years since Robert Bosch, Inc. and Springboard Foundation first sponsored 76 scholars in Night High School, with A Better Chance Foundation, and last December 19, the Class of 2010 held its first Christmas Party as college students.  It’s the first time we all got together since graduating from high school last March 2011, and though we haven’t seen each other since our post graduation party last summer, we still had great camaraderie with each other.

The Christmas party, hosted by A Better Chance Foundation, and sponsored by Springboard Foundation was attended by the Bosch Class of 2010, as well as Chairman Lew Edwards of A Better Chance Foundation, Ms. Annette Helbig, President of Springboard Foundation, and Ms. Kristina Reyes, PR and Corporate Communications Manager of Robert Bosch, and other special guests.

Chairman Lew Edwards (left), Ms. Annette Helbig, President of Springboard Foundation, and Ms. Kristina Reyes, PR and Corporate Communications Manager of Robert Bosch, Inc.

The program started with an invocation led by two Siena, Quezon City Night High alumni, Michelle Dimailig and Regidor Anchieta, followed by welcoming remarks from Rolan Candelario, a former Siena, Taytay, Night High scholar, and a 1st year student of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, taking up BS Accountancy.   His speech was followed by inspirational messages from Chairman Lewis Edwards, Ms. Annette Helbig, and Ms. Kristina Reyes, who met the Bosch Class of 2010 scholars for the first time, since joining Bosch in October.

Ms. Kristina Reyes of Robert Bosch, Inc. meeting the Bosch Class of 2010 for the first time.

While everyone was enjoying the delicious and nutritious lunch buffet, we took the opportunity to give thanks to our sponsors for their unstinted support.  Our chosen class representative, Hannah U. Condevillamar, and Siena, Quezon City chosen representative, Loiza Fe Dailisan each presented a simple token to our sponsors, A Better Chance Foundation, Springboard Foundation, and Robert Bosch, Inc.

Siena College, Taytay, class representative, Hannah Condevillamar offering their gift to Chairman Lew Edwards, Ms. Kristina Reyes, and Ms. Annette Helbig.

Siena College, Quezon City, class representative, Loiza Dailisan presenting their gift to Chairman Lew Edwards, Ms. Annette Helbig, and Ms. Kristina Reyes.

After lunch, we put on special song and dance performances to entertain our guests, and to our surprise, we were also treated to a special number performed by members of Springboard Foundation.

Scholars from Siena College, Taytay sings a beautiful Christmas medley.

The scholars from Siena, Quezon City perform an energetic dance number.

A special number performed by Springboard Foundation.

After the showcase of talents, the scholars participated in a few parlor games I had earlier prepared for them.  After the games and special performances, we exchanged gifts amongst ourselves, and were each given a special gift from Springboard Foundation.  In addition to the gift from Springboard, there was also a mini-raffle, sponsored by A Better Chance Foundation.

The scholars playing parlor games.

Ms. Annette Helbig giving each of the scholars a Christmas gift, from Springboard Foundation.

Chairman Lew Edwards giving out prizes for the ABC Foundation raffle.

At the end of the day, despite coming from different Siena schools, and now attending different colleges and universities, I felt our bonds that tie us all together grow stronger, thanks to the efforts of our sponsors in organizing this wonderful event for us.

The Bosch Class of 2010.

*Alexis Balansag is part of the Bosch Class of 2010 from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.  He is now a 1st year college student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, studying Advertising and Public Relations.

Posted in Angels at Work, Charity Partners, College Scholars, Corporate Sponsors, Donations / Sponsorships, Events / Activities, Night High School, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Third Generation Donors

Posted on December 20, 2011 by admin

A big thank you, to Martin Mijares, Chairman Lew Edwards’ grandson, for his generous donations to the ABC Foundation Scholarship Program.

Chairman Lew’s children, and cousins, are donors to A Better Chance Foundation, and Martin is part of the third generation of donors, who know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of other people’s generosities.  Now that they are older, and earning a living, these young donors are paying forward the assistance they have received in the past, to those in need.  Other third generation donors include Night High alumni who are now doing their part in helping other scholars by teaching and donating to their Alma Mater.

Through the years, we have seen Martin transform, from a carefree college student, to a successful, young man.  Martin is now a Technopreneur at V Mobile, a discount cell phone load provider. As a way of giving back to the community, Martin has sponsored 12 Night High Scholars, and has committed to sponsoring more before the end of School Year 2011-2012.

Congratulations, Martin, and thank you for your generous donation!

Posted in Angels at Work, Annoucements, Donations / Sponsorships, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Individual Sponsors, Night High School, Scholarship Programs | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Christmas Gift Baskets for the ETL Night High Scholars

Posted on December 16, 2011 by admin

Thank you to ETL Learning for once again making the holiday season extra special for their 10 Night High Scholars at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

Every year, for Christmas, ETL Learning would prepare special gifts for their 10 scholars who are now on their 2nd year of Night High School.

Last year, ETL Learning gave them books and board games for Christmas, and this year, they were each given a gift basket filled with food items for a delicious Noche Buena feast for the whole family.

Christmas gift baskets for each Night High Scholar

On December 14, Mr. Hector Tagaysay, President of Filway Marketing, and Mr. Lewis Edwards, Chairman of A Better Chance Foundation, visited Siena College, Taytay, to present the Christmas gift baskets to the Night High Scholars on behalf of ETL Learning.

Chairman Lew Edwards, (left), Mr. Hector Tagaysay, President of Filway Marketing, with ETL Night High Scholar, Ellih Rey.

Mr. Tagaysay was surprised by how much the Night High scholars have grown since he last saw them, last year.  Indeed, he could not at first believe that they were the same small, shy, scholars he met last school year.

The ETL Night High Scholars, with Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., (left), President of Siena College, Taytay, Mr. Hector Tagaysay (right), President of Filway Marketing, Chairman Lew Edwards, and Mr. Rene Logatoc, Head of the Siena College Christian Community Development Center.

The 10 ETL Night High Scholars prepared a short program, where they gave a short message of gratitude to ETL Learning, ABC Foundation, and Mr. Tagaysay, followed by a song interpretation dance number.  During their performance, they each went up to Mr. Tagaysay to give their individual thank you letters for ETL.

ETL Night High Scholar Kesiah Joy, delivering her words of gratitude, on behalf of her classmates, for their sponsor, ETL.

The ETL Night High Scholars performing a song interpretation dance number.

The ETL Night High Scholars presenting Mr. Hector Tagaysay with a scrapbook they made for ETL.

After their performance, Chairman Lew said a few words of encouragement to the Night High scholars, followed by Mr. Tagaysay, who imparted words of wisdom and life lessons to the Night High scholars.

Filway Marketing President, Mr. Hector Tagaysay with words of wisdom for the ETL Night High Scholars.

Each of the 10 Night High scholars were then presented their gift baskets, heavy with food items they can share with the whole family, by Mr. Tagaysay and Mr. Edwards.

The ETL Night High Scholars holding their Christmas gift baskets from ETL, with Mr. Hector Tagaysay, Chairman Lew Edwards, and Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P.

Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., President of Siena College, Taytay, closed the program with a solemn message of gratitude to ETL Learning, ABC Foundation, and Filway Marketing.

Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., President of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

While the scholars were enjoying their snacks, provided by Siena College, Mr. Tagaysay chatted with them, trying to get to know them better.  Mr. Tagaysay encouraged the Night High scholars to speak in English as much as possible to improve their skills, and in turn, they asked him questions (in English) about his work, and Filway Marketing.

Mr. Hector Tagaysay getting to know the ETL Night High Scholars.

The 10 ETL Scholars were very grateful to ETL Learning for the wonderful Christmas gift baskets they received, and to Mr. Hector Tagaysay and Mr. Lewis Edwards, for the special visit.

We would like to thank ETL Learning for their generosity in sponsoring the 10 Night High scholars, and for the wonderful gift baskets; to Ms. Valerie Valeña, Vice President of Filway Marketing, for her assistance in putting together the gift baskets, and to Mr. Hector Tagaysay, President of Filway Marketing, for taking time off his busy schedule to visit the ETL scholars; to Mr. Rene Logatoc, Head of the Siena College, Christian Community Development Center, Ms. Leah, and Alexis Balansag for their assistance, and especially to Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., for her warm hospitality; and of course, to the ETL Night High scholars for their hard work and efforts in preparing for our visit.

ETL Night High Scholars with Mr. Hector Tagaysay, Chairman Lew Edwards, Mo. Terry Examen, O.P., President of Siena College, Taytay, and Mr. Rene Logatoc (right), Head of the Siena College Christian Community Development Center.

Posted in Angels at Work, Charity Partners, Corporate Sponsors, Donations / Sponsorships, Events / Activities, Night High School, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

MEC Global Christmas Party at the Manila Yacht Club

Posted on December 15, 2011 by admin

Saturday, December 10, the MEC Global Ship Management and Manning Corp. invited their 8 Night High scholars from St. Dominic Pulilan, Bulacan, to attend their company Christmas party at the Manila Yacht Club.

Night High Scholars from St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan at the Manila Yacht Club for the MEC Global Christmas party.

The Christmas party, with a cowboy theme, was held for the employees of MEC Global, and their families.  To introduce their new CSR program to all their employees, MEC Global invited their 8 Night High Scholars to attend the party and to perform in the short program organized to entertain the guests.

3rd year MEC Global Night High Scholars from St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan.

The Night High scholars opened the program with a very energetic ballroom dance number, which the audience truly enjoyed.  After their opening number, the Night High scholars were asked to perform another dance number, due to popular demand.

The Night High scholars dancing to the Rhythm of the Night.

The 7 Night High scholars (1 scholar was absent due to chicken pox) and the two Night High teachers who accompanied them were introduced to the different members and managers of MEC Global.

The Night High scholars with the management and staff of MEC Global.

The Night High Scholars who were at first very nervous, but excited, were very impressed by the venue, and all the yachts anchored along the bay.  After their dance numbers, and the delicious dinner, they were able to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening, taking advantage of the unlimited photo booth services.

The Night High Scholars with teachers, Ms. Sarah (foreground) and Ms. Che (background).

We would like to thank MEC Global for their generosity in sponsoring 8 Night High scholars at St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, and for inviting their Night High Scholars to a wonderful Christmas party, which, we know, they will never forget.

Thank you also to the Night High Scholars, for preparing special dance numbers for the program, as well as thank you cards, and a special message of gratitude for their sponsors.  Our thanks also to Teacher Che and Teacher Sarah for accompanying the Night High Scholars to this special event.

Posted in Angels at Work, Charity Partners, Corporate Sponsors, Donations / Sponsorships, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Night High School, Scholarship Programs, St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Christmas Party with Q2 and Springboard Foundation

Posted on December 15, 2011 by admin

For the past three years, ABC Foundation, along with Springboard Foundation, and Q2 Search, would go to Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, to visit their 6 Night High Scholars, just before the holidays.  Every year, Q2 and Springboard would bring gifts for the scholars, and every year, the 6 Night High Scholars would surprise their sponsors with special performances, and gifts.

On December 9, we brought Ms. Sarah McLeod, Ms. Monina Nuñez, and a few members of Q2 Search, along with Ms. Annette Helbig and Ms. Gina Tuazon, of Springboard Foundation, to Siena Taytay, for our annual visit.

Ms. Monina Nuñez and the employees of Q2 Search.

This year, the Q2 Scholars, now in their 4th year of Night High School, prepared a special program for their sponsors.  They opened with a short video giving us a glimpse of their typical day in school.  After the video presentation, Night High Scholar, Camille Barbosa gave a special message thanking Q2 for their support, and reminiscing about the past 3 years they have been together.

Q2 Night High Scholars, Camille Barbosa and Lorraine Alog, hosting the event.

After Camille’s short speech, the 6 Night High Scholars sang a group song, and presented Q2 and Springboard with thank you letters and tokens of appreciation.

The Q2 Scholars singing a special song for their sponsors.

Ms. Annette Helbig of Springboard Foundation, and Ms. Sarah McLeod of Q2 were very touched by the gifts they received – a box filled with tiny paper stars, each one hand made by the 6 Night High scholars.

Ms. Annette and Ms. Sarah opening their box of stars.

During the program, Springboard Foundation and Q2 surprised their scholars by performing a special Christmas musical number – with Ms. Gina Tuazon and her daughter on violins, and Ms. Annette Helbig and Ms. Sarah McLeod on the flute.  The members of Q2 also joined in in singing Christmas carols.

Every year, before visiting their scholars, the employees of Q2 would hold a contest to collect the most gift items for their scholars.  The group with the most, or heaviest, collection of items gets to visit the Siena College, Taytay, to give their gifts to their Night High Scholars.

Ms. Monina Nuñez presenting their gifts to their Night High Scholars.

This year, the winning group brought 6 huge balikbayan boxes, one for each scholar, filled with clothes, food items, and school supplies, for the scholars to share with their families.

At the end of the program, the 6 Night High Scholars, as well as members of Q2, and Springboard Foundation, were very happy with the gifts they received, and for being given the chance to spend some time together.

Special thanks to Ms. Annette Helbig and Ms. Gina Tuazon of Springboard Foundation, and to Ms. Sarah McLeod, Ms. Monina Nuñez, and everyone from Q2.

Posted in Angels at Work, Charity Partners, Corporate Sponsors, Donations / Sponsorships, Events / Activities, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Night High School, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Ariva Night High Scholars at Enchanted Kingdom

Posted on December 14, 2011 by admin

The 25 Ariva Night High Scholars celebrated Christmas early this year, when they were treated to a fun-filled day at Enchanted Kingdom, by their sponsors, Ariva Seminar and Conventions Organizers.

The members of Ariva prepared a special day for their 25 5th year Night High Scholars, and the 5 teachers accompanying them from Siena College, San Jose del Monte.

The Ariva Night High Scholars, and teachers of Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

They day’s activities started off with lunch for the Night High Scholars and teachers at Mang Inasal in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The Night High Scholars with Mr. JM Matienzo, President of Ariva (back) enjoying lunch at Mang Inasal.

After lunch, it was off to Enchanted Kingdom, where the Night High Scholars and teachers participated in a special contest organized by the staff of Ariva.

Ariva Night High Scholars, and teachers in front of Enchanted Kingdom, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The 25 Night High Scholars and teachers were divided into 3 groups and had to complete different tasks requiring them to run around and explore the different rides at Enchanted Kingdom.  The first group to successfully complete all the assigned tasks wins a special prize.

Members of Ariva with the Blue Group of Night High Scholars.

Ariva with the Yellow Group of Night High Scholars.

Ariva with the Red Group of Night High Scholars.

The 3 groups also had a cheering contest, judged by members of Ariva, and ABC Foundation.  Fabulous prizes were also given to the group with the best cheer.

Ms. Lani Julia (right) with the Red Group performing their group cheer.

After the group contests, the Night High Scholars and teachers were given extra time to relax and explore the amusement park on their own, and to go on all the different rides.

The scholars working out the different tasks around Enchanted Kingdom.

Hanging around singing songs before going off to have dinner at Mang Inasal.

After an exhausting day running around Enchanted Kingdom, the Night High Scholars and teachers were ready for dinner, and once again, they were treated to Mang Inasal for delicious barbecued pork and chicken.

A delicious dinner at Mang Inasal.

During dinner, the Night High Scholars and teachers of Siena, San Jose del Monte, took the opportunity to thank their sponsors, Ariva, for supporting them through Night High School, and for the very special Christmas party at Enchanted Kingdom.  The 25 Ariva Night High Scholars performed a special song they had prepared, and gave Ariva a big thank you card, as a token of their gratitude.  Ms. Lani Julia, Night High advisor and coordinator at Siena College, San Jose del Monte also said a few words on behalf of teachers and administrators of Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The Ariva Night High Scholars with their special song, and gift for their sponsor.

Ms. Lani Julia, teacher, and coordinator of the Night High Program at Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, with words of gratitude on behalf of the Siena, San Jose teachers and administration.

Mr. JM Matienzo and members of Ariva were touched by the token of gratitude they received from their 25 Night High Scholars. The members of Ariva presented the scholars with gift bags filled with goodies, and presented the winners of the group contest, as well as the cheering competition.

Tears of joy and group hugs all around with members of Ariva.

Each Night High Scholar received a bag filled with goodies, from Ariva!

Mr. Greg Modesto of Ariva awarding prizes to the contest winners.

After the long and tiring, but wonderful day, the 25 Night High Scholars and teachers were finally ready for the long ride back to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.  This being their last year of Night High School, the 25 Night High could not have asked for a better way to spend it than with their sponsor for the last 5 years, Ariva!

The 25 Night High Scholars, and teachers with members of Ariva.

We would like to thank Mr. JM Matienzo, and Ariva Seminar and Conventions Organizers for treating their Night High Scholars, teachers and members of ABC Foundation to a fun-filled day at Enchanted Kingdom, and for sponsoring their Night High Scholars for the past 5 years.  Your generosity has been a tremendous help to ABC Foundation and to your Night High Scholars, whose lives you have touched.

Thank you to the teachers of Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan for accompanying the Night High Scholars, and for assisting in the day’s activities:  Ms. Lani Julia, Ms. Leozel Macua, Ms. Jeciel Egas, Ms. Loreta Guba, and Mr. Abel Morales.  We appreciate all your hard work in teaching all our Night High Scholars at Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and in giving up your free day to join us in extra-curricular activities.

Thank you also to Ms. Arlene Canimo and Ms. Mariel Pigtain, from ABC Foundation for their assistance.

Posted in Angels at Work, Charity Partners, Corporate Sponsors, Donations / Sponsorships, Events / Activities, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Night High School, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Congratulations, Ivy!

Posted on November 28, 2011 by admin

Congratulations, to our Night High School alumni, Fatima Ivy  Sedo, for recently completing her 3-year course, Instrumentation Technology from the MFI Technological Institute.

Fatima Ivy a Sedo belonged to the Night High School, Class of 2008, at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

Ivy is now working as an Instrumentation Technician at ICI Systems, Inc. in Ortigas, Pasig City.

Keep up the good work, Ivy, we are so proud of you!

Posted in Annoucements, Night High School, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Congratulations, Janette!

Posted on November 21, 2011 by admin

We would like to congratulate our former ABC College scholar, Janette Bolante, for successfully passing the September, 2011 Licensure Examination for Teachers, for Secondary Education.

Janette Bolante is a Night High alumni of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, Class of 2007. Because of her outstanding academic performance in Night High School, she was granted a College Scholarship by ABC Foundation.

Janette graduated from Rizal Technological University at the end of S.Y. 2010-2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, Major in Mathematics.

We are so proud of you, Janette!  Keep up the good work!

Posted in Annoucements, College Scholars, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Leave a comment

The Manila St. Andrew’s Society Eyeglass Projects for S.Y. 2011-2012

Posted on November 4, 2011 by admin

This school year, the Manila St. Andrew’s Society (MSAS) partnered once again with ABC Foundation to provide free prescription eyeglasses to poor but very deserving students.

The Manila St. Andrew’s Society is a socio-civic group of expats from Scotland who engage in community outreach projects to help less fortunate families in Metro Manila.

Last school year MSAS worked with ABC to provide 260 pairs of prescription eyeglasses to the students of Kaunlaran Elementary School in Caloocan City.

This school year, MSAS sponsored 500 pairs of prescription eyeglasses to the needy students of two public schools – Kaunlaran Elementary School in Caloocan City and Cainta Elementary School in Cainta, Rizal.

Students of Cainta Elementary School, Cainta, Rizal.

Students of Kaunlaran Elementary School, Caloocan City.

Our first Eyeglass Project with MSAS was in September, and with our volunteer optometrist, Dr. Jeson Viñas and Ms. Anne Viñas, we visited Kaunlaran Elementary School with MSAS Chieftain, Mr. Hamilton McLeod and Ms. Diane Ross to provide 300 pairs of prescription eyeglasses to the boys and girls with poor eyesight.  Kaunalran Elementary School headed by Dr. Ailene Canoy has a student body population of around 4,000 boys and girls.

ABC Chairman Mr. Lew Edwards (left), Ms. Diane Ross (center), Principal Dr. Ailene Canoy and MSAS Chieftain, Mr. Hamilton McLeod (right) with students of Kaunlaran Elementary School.

In October, MSAS and ABC Foundation conducted the second Eyeglass Project with the help of our  volunteer optometrist Dr. Jeson Viñas and Ms. Anne Viñas, at Cainta Elementary School, Cainta, Rizal.  MSAS sponsored 200 pairs of prescription eyeglasses to the boys and girls of Cainta Elementary School with poor eyesight.

MSAS Chieftain, Mr. Hamilton McLeod (left) with Ms. Anne Viñas and an eyeglass recipient at Cainta Elementary School, Cainta, Rizal.

Students, parents, teachers and administrators from both schools were very grateful to Manila St. Andrew’s Society for their generous donation of prescription eyeglasses.  Families from both schools come from the poorest of the poor and do not have enough resources to undergo regular eye check-ups.

MSAS Chieftain, Mr. Hamilton McLeod with parents of the student eyeglass beneficiaries at Kaunlaran Elementary School.

MSAS Chieftain, Mr. Hamilton McLeod with students, teachers and administrators of Cainta Elementary School.

Our partner optometrist, Dr. Jeson Viñas, with the help of his wife, Ms. Anne Viñas, conducted the eye check-ups for students from both schools suspected by teachers of having poor eyesight.  During the Eyeglass Distribution Programs, Dr. Viñas also gave a short talk for the students receiving eyeglasses and their parents on the proper care and use of their new eyeglasses.

Dr. Jeson Viñas checking the eyes of a student at Kaunlaran Elementary School.

Dr. Jeson Viñas giving a talk on the proper use and care of eyeglasses.

Students from both Kaunlaran Elementary School and Cainta Elementary School thanked their sponsors for their brand new prescription eyeglasses by making beautiful thank you cards and presenting them to MSAS during the Eyeglass Distribution Programs.

Thank you cards for MSAS from the students of Cainta Elementary School.

Thank you cards from the students of Kaunlaran Elementary School for The Manila St. Andrew's Society.

MSAS Chieftain Hamilton McLeod and Ms. Diane Ross attended the Eyeglass Distribution Programs where they said a few words to the students, parents, teachers and administrators of both schools, and also helped out with the actual distribution of eyeglasses to each of the recipients.

Mr. Hamilton McLeod, Chieftain of MSAS and Ms. Diane Ross treats the students, parents and guests of the Eyeglass Distribution at Kaunlaran Elementary School to a song.

Chieftain Hamilton McLeod and Ms. Diane Ross help out with the eyeglass distribution at Kaunlaran Elementary School.

Chieftain Hamilton McLeod helping a student at Cainta Elementary School with her brand new eyeglasses.

We would like to thank everybody who worked hard to make both Eyeglass Projects a success:  To Dr. Jeson Viñas and Ms. Anne Viñas for checking the eyes of the students of Kaunlaran Elementary School and Cainta Elementary School; to Dr. Ailene Canoy, Principal of Kaunalran Elementary School and all the teachers and administrators of Kaunlaran Elementary School and Cainta Elementary School for their cooperation, assistance, and hospitality during the check-ups and distribution programs; to Mr. Don Mallari, Mr. Arturo Sikat, and Mr. Patrick Canimo of Cainta, Rizal; to ABC Foundation volunteers, Ms. Arlene Canimo, Mariel Pigtain and Alexis Balansag; to all the boys and girl of Kaunlaran Elementary School and Cainta Elementary School.

Dr. Jeson Viñas (left), Ms. Anne Viñas, Principal Dr. Ailene Canoy, Chieftain Hamilton McLeod and Ms. Diane Ross with students of Kaunlaran Elementary School.

ABC College Scholar Mariel Pigtain (left), Dr. Jeson Viñas, Ms. Anne Viñas, MSAS Chieftain Mr. Hamilton McLeod, Alexis Balansag, and Ms. Arlene Canimo (right) at Cainta Elementary School.

Our biggest thanks goes to the Manila St. Andrew’s Society for partnering with us again and generously sponsoring 500 pairs of eyeglasses to needy elementary students.  Special thanks to MSAS Chieftain, Mr. Hamilton McLeod and Ms. Diane Ross for visiting and participating in the Eyeglass Distribution Program at Kaunlaran Elementary School and Cainta Elementary School.

Manila St. Andrew's Society Chieftain, Mr. Hamilton McLeod and Ms. Diane Ross at Kaunlaran Elementary School.

The eyeglass recipients at Kaunlaran Elementary School, Caloocan City.

The eyeglass beneficiaries of Cainta Elementary School.

Posted in Angels at Work, Charity Partners, Donations / Sponsorships, Events / Activities, Eyeglass Projects, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Individual Sponsors, Outreach Projects | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment