Year 2020 has been a very challenging year
for a lot of Filipinos. From the
eruption of the Taal Volcano, to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and just
recently, the consecutive typhoons that hit the country, children and families
have struggled to get back on their feet. Now that Christmas is fast
approaching, most are still unsure how they will celebrate this holiday season.
World Vision, an international Christian non-profit
organization, is committed to making this a Christmas like no other most
especially for the most vulnerable children and their families in the face of
these difficult times.
Through their annual tradition of sharing
Noche Buena meals to communities under their care, World Vision aims to spread
hope and joy, making it possible for children and families to celebrate
Christmas, such as eight-year-old Carla and her family.
Carla, a World Vision beneficiary
Carla shared with us that she looks
forward to eating her favorite spaghetti and celebrating this season with her
family. She lives in one of World Vision’s assisted communities in Batangas
that was hardest hit by the eruption of Taal Volcano.
“Bilang isang nanay, sadyang mahirap ang
pinagdaanan namin sa pagputok ng bulkan. Tsaka ho, hindi ko alam anong gagawin
ko. Ang inisip ko agad, ang mga anak ko maligtas (As a mother, it was hard when
the volcano erupted. I didn’t know what to do. My thoughts focused on ensuring
my children’s safety),” shared Carla’s mother, Maricel.
Carla together with her parents
Carla’s father, Henry, earned a living
through fishing. They used to celebrate Christmas with a small feast and a
happy home. But due to the tragedies they experienced, there was a time when
they felt they’ve already lost everything. What kept them going was the hope
the Christmas celebration brings.
“Ang kahilingan ko ngayong darating na
Pasko, sana po kami ay magsama-sama’ng buong pamilya (My wish this Christmas is
for our whole family to celebrate together),” wished Henry.
Since they first launched it, World
Vision's Noche Buena campaign has distributed more than 400,000 Noche Buena
packs to Filipino families all over the country. World Vision aims to reach
more than 24,000 families this year.
“The celebration of Christmas will always
be meaningful because it is about the birth of Jesus that brought hope for all
humanity. With everything that happened this year, I personally invite you to
join us in spreading good tidings especially to the most vulnerable children
and their communities. As you give the gift of Noche Buena, may you and your
families feel the peace, joy and hope this Christmas season brings,” said Mr.
Rommel Fuerte, World Vision’s National Director.
For
every donation of P1000, two (2) children and their families will feel the joy
of celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. More than the meal, these
children will experience love through your generosity. To send your donation or
know more about World Vision’s Noche Buena campaign, visit this link: https://bit.ly/WVNocheBuena.
To know more about World Vision and its other initiatives, you
may visit www.worldvision.org.ph or
follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook,
@worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.
About
World Vision
World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy
organization dedicated to working with children, their families, and
communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith
and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people.
It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race,
ethnicity, or gender.