CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY IN BAMBANG

The Christmas Party for the children of the Project was celebrated on November 30th to coincide with Florencia’s visit to Bambang. In this newsletter we tell not only about the party but also the other activities she undertook whilst on her visit there. We also have news of our record breaking fundraising activities in this country, which helps to improve the quality of life for the children of the Project and their carers.

RECORDS BROKEN IN THE ADIDAS RUN

2008 was a successful fundraising year for the Project. In the Adidas Women’s Run we broke the record for the most number of women participating to raise funds for the Project as well as the highest sum of money raised over the last ten years since its inception. Eleven women and two children ran their feet off to raise the marvellous sum of £1,437 between them. The money raised will pay for the tuition fees of the children for the school year 2008-2009., and other miscellaneous expenses.

Chairman’s message for the

New Year 2009

A warm welcome to all our supporters and a big thank you for the wonderful support and hard work of so many people in 2008.This year I’m sure, despite the economic situation, we will manage to uphold and support the project, take it forward and so continue the work which helps so many to a fuller life and makes a difference in the lives of so many young children.

Our new Treasurer

Our runners on the day

Franceslina Batten, Perlie Richardson, Alex Stacey, Rowena Pangilinan, Florencia, Fe Corpuz, Hermela Girmay, Anne Nunez, Ana Dunn, Remy de la Cruz. Not in Photo, Kath Waller (who collected the most sponsorship), Arlyne Ibasco and Kibah.

CHAIRMAN RAISES MONEY AT SWIMATHON 2008

I learnt of the Swimathon last year only 3 weeks before the event. I entered the longest distance to stimulate sponsorship. (There are three distances: 1.5k, 2.5k and 5k (roughly 1 mile, 1.5 mile and 3 miles). Also individual or team – about 5 people). I worried if the water would be warm enough, thank goodness it was. The day was really great fun; the pool was busy with lots of children splashing happily up and down the lanes, plus the adults. As the shorter distances finished it thinned out. For the last hour there were just three of us. A very good young swimmer. He’s never going to finish going at that speed, I said, He did. And a gallant lady nearer 70 than 60 with possibly the worst crawl I have ever seen. 2 lengths looked painful surely she could never do 200. They had to keep the pool open for her but she did.I must do it again next year. I raised £250 but what might a Bambang team do. Young or old, good swimmer or just average, all are welcome. This year it is between 16-19 April. Interested? E-mail me at t_preddle@yahoo.co.uk or phone 02073812135. Website www.swimathon.org

Appeal from our

Membership Secretary

Your valued support reflects your commitment to the changes for the better in the lives of all the children we are privileged to help. At this time of severe economic difficulty your on-going help is especially welcome. If you are not a member, please consider joining by contacting Florencia or me,johnstacey@yahoo.co.uk

Jonathan Lipscombe took over from Michael Pinto as our Treasurer in August 2008. Jonathan is looking forward to helping other members of the committee to continue the good work of the Project.

A TRIP OUT FOR THE CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

This year’s Christmas party also provide an exciting day out for the children, as it involved a jeepney ride to the village of Abian where the Parish of St Joseph was celebrating its 25th anniversary. Celebrating mass at St Josephs, Monsignor Vic Tugadi gave a moving homily for the children and their carers. Children with disabilities, he said, awaken in us all kindness and compassion and the parents of those children deserve support for they have the most difficult task to do.

After the mass, the children, with the help of their siblings drew lovely Christmas scenes and encouraged by Florencia wrote letters to the many kind people who support the work of the project. They also enjoyed face painting, parlour games, singing and dancing. The children without speech and without hearing provided action songs interpreted by their teacher Violy. It was a joy to hear Jake and Elsa, the two blind children playing the keyboards to entertain everyone with their music. The highlight of the day however was when Mr Viloria, Auditor and Advisor arrived in his Santa costume carrying a sack full of presents for the children, who could not resist touching his white beard.

A Christmas message was read by Eloisa, daughter of the Bambang Chairperson, who was away in California with her husband visiting her children there. A visitor from Canada, Mrs Fely Booth, congratulated the hard working committee and promised support for the project. Florencia thanked the Village Captain and other local officers for their presence and the parishioners of Abian for including the children in their celebrations. It was a memorable Christmas for all who participated and most of all was a day full of fun for the children.

Bambang Committee Outing New SPED School in BambangBambang Committee Outing

Florencia organised a fellowshipday for the committee in Bambang to strengthen their bonds of friendship and thank them for their marvellous work for the children of the Project. The cold and showery day did not dampen the joyful spirit as the group sang and told jokes on the jeepney climb to the resort 5 kilometres outside Bambang. After the fellowship lunch the committee completed their workshop by formulating a list of activities for 2009. Members were able express their concerns and visions of the future. Florencia was encouraged by the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to the children they give service to.

Thanks given to the Mayor

Florencia took the opportunity to call on the new, young Mayor of Bambang and thank him for the apples and sweets that he kindly gave the children for Christmas. She was deeply touched by the warm reception from the Honourable Mayor Jamie Cuaresma and his staff and his pledge of support to the children of the project. He also gave the great news regarding the government’s programme to help people with disabilities.

New SPED School in Bambang

Special Education for children with disabilities

Bambang Central Primary School has opened its own SPED school for children with hearing and speech impairments. Florencia met the school Principal, Mrs Edith Salinas and visited the SPED classroom and teacher Mrs Violy Padawan, who is greatly admired for her patience and commitment to her pupils. Having a SPED school in Bambang means that the Project no longer has to pay fares for the children to travel to another town. It also means that other Bambang children can be accommodated.

School plans a library

The School Principal wishes to build a School Library for the 500 pupils with a proposal to feature provision for children with disabilities. Mrs Salinas hoped it was a project that could be supported. Florencia said that pending a written submission the London Committee would be happy to consider it.

Sad News

We were sad to learn of the death of two children of the Project recently, Christian Coloma who was 17 years old and Krista Lyka Molina who was 18. Committee members attended the funerals and the project gave financial assistance to help with the funeral expenses.

FUNDRAISING IN THE USA

Elliott and Nena Schwartz in Florida sent $375 to the Bambang Committee from a bowling fundraising event. This will meet the expenses of the Valentine and Easter celebrations for the children. We thank Nena and Eli for their continued support.

OTHER HELP FROM OVERSEAS

As always we thank all our many members and supporters with a special mention to those in Australia and California who donate books, toys and clothing to the children.