• Thanks ...

Team Reports
• Ken Graham
• Wayne Witney
• Dennis Jones
• Andrea Tynan
• Patti Jones
• Brenda Porter-Lockhart

You can also download a PDF version of this report from our Distributions page.

Sweat and Tears in Antipolo

Wayne Witney -- Caledon, ON

From Philippines 2008

Our first distribution was on April 3rd in Antipolo, a city thirty kilometres east of Manila. I was extremely excited and looking forward to begin meeting the children and giving them the bedkits that you donated or received as a gift.

The weather was sunny, hot, and humid when we arrived at about 9 am. My first contact with the children and their families was very emotional. The children all stood up from their seats and gave a warm welcome, "Good morning visitors."

I had never seen or experienced anything like this before. I was overwhelmed. A prayer was followed by the Philippines national anthem. Then our team sang "O Canada" with our flag on display. We sang with pride for our country. There were speeches and we were introduced along with the Philippines SCAW core committee. Travelling volunteers are fortunate to witness the result of your donations and the experience is extremely rewarding. Your gift will help a child have a good night's sleep.

When it was time to set up, I was given the job of handing each child the bedkit after they had had their picture taken. The children would thank me and many would hold my hand and place it to their forehead as a sign of respect and a type of blessing.

From Philippines 2008

Saying "Salamat, po" or "Thank you, po," was their way of thanking an elder and I heard it many times. Handing out the bedkits was not too hard despite the heat. Seeing some of the children in bare feet, the smiles, and sometimes fear on their faces made it hard for me to control my emotions. It seems that this response is typical. I got some wonderful support from my team member, Brenda, with hugs and comforting words. Dr. Ito, the leader of the Philippines core committee, asked me how I was doing. When I told him, he commented, "You have not yet seen anything."

I wiped away the sweat and tears and got ready for the next group of children. After this first distribution, I got more used to seeing the children and their parents but each distribution was just as emotional.