SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 21
Our last day of distributions (18 & 19) in the Philippines dawned with an early morning bus ride to the famous Talisay area. The Taal volcano sits in a lake in a very mountainous area. The backdrop was stunning as we prepared our site as a now experienced team. Excited smiles beamed at us despite the heat. The children were polite and treated us to a rousing chorus of the Philippine national anthem. We have all taken this tune into our hearts now.
Over a lunch that included refreshing whole coconuts we learned that Talisay had been the victim of devastating land slides just two years ago. Many of the children from today’s distributions were living in government-sponsored resettlement camps. These families that had lost everything were truly grateful to receive a bedkit. We saw many bedkit bundles being transported home up the steep road.
Talisay skies treated us to a spectacular sunset display which felt like a celebration of our long weeks of work. A quiet and contemplative team rode back to Manila, having been strangers just a few weeks ago. I’m grateful to now consider them a special kind of family and can vouch that the SCAW volunteer experience is a life-changing one.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 17
This is the best job for me: passing the bedkit from my hands to the hands of a child who needs it. When I say, "This is for you" ("Ito ay para sa ayo") our eyes connect and smiles widen as fingers eagerly stretch out to find the most comfortable area to grab and hold on to the bedkit.
The jobs were the same at each site. Our team leader would assign our responsibilities for the day, usually the night before or in the morning on the way to the site. The jobs were: tracker, line up duty, seating person, marker, floater and bedkit deliverer. Since there were seven persons in our team, the floater was created to oversee the whole process. If everything ran smoothly, the floater would have interviews with parents and children and then write the blog for that day.
We gave bedkits to children ages 6 to 12. Many 6-year-olds have small hands and so our kind Philippine volunteers were eager to assist in holding the bedkits as the children reconnected with their families.
The bedkits were also quite heavy for many younger children to carry. This year, they contained a long mat, a mosquito net, school supplies, pajamas, a matching top and short pants, a blanket, a small face towel, flip flops, a pillow, and a long hug pillow. We know some items are more useful than others, depending on the areas where the families live and also on the recipient's age and size. The families were extremely happy for the generosity of our donors and they share items among themselves, neighbours, and friends.
At times we met children with special physical needs which tugged at our hearts. A parent would accompany each one and say with deep gratitude: "Thank you so much", in perfect English.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda (Group 2), 2026: May 17
We safely arrived back in Kampala on Saturday night, thanks to Michael, our wonderful driver. Our day started with a sleep in before Petra guided us through a local market. She has been a wonderful SCAW Chairperson for the Inner Wheel this year. What a pleasure it has been to get to know her better.
Full team photo. SCAW and inner Wheel of Kampala.
At our closing meeting we reviewed the distributions, celebrated all the successes and put our heads together to look for recommendations for any areas where we think we could improve our efficiency. The children are always top of mind. How can we make this the most positive experience for them?
We then headed to our closing party. A great time to socialize and thank our Overseas Partners - The Inner Wheel of Kampala. This year was extra special as we also got to celebrate Leslie’s birthday.
Petra, Kerry and Gertrude cutting the cake.
SCAW cake is now Leslie’s birthday cake.
We would like to thank all of our donors. Your generous support has changed the lives of 7,000 children.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda (Group 2), 2026, May 16
Final Distribution
These distributions would have been much more challenging without Michael, our driver extraordinaire, who has navigated a bus load of ladies though challenging roads and rain as well as spending long hours loading our bus for the trip to our last distribution and the trip back to Kampala. Thanks Michael.
We were welcomed again with music, dancing and songs by excited parents and children. They helped unload the truck and set up the site while the children changed into new clothes.
After the last children received their bedkits we were treated to a lovely meal organized by the head teacher of the school and entertained by mothers singing and dancing.
We leave Uganda with wonderful memories of warm hospitable people who truly appreciate the generous gifts of bedkits for their children. Our home visits to recipients made us realize how helpful the kits are for the whole family. Thank you donors!
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Philippines, 2026: May 10
We gathered in the hotel lobby and took photos within the decorative frame the hotel staff had set up. They repeatedly wished us "Happy Mothers' Day" as we boarded the van and left the hotel around 6 a.m. for our distribution at Magaland 1.
It was a beautiful and sunny day.
For the first time, we traveled on a new toll road with solar powered light poles, and through various villages with changing landscapes. There were many garden centres with attractive displays of potted flowering plants along the sidewalks.
The children, moms and dads greeted us with wide smiles, shouts and screams as we entered the covered basketball court where the distribution would take place. Everyone was very excited.
Our assistant team leader, Sally Jo, reconnected with an old friend and his wife. They first met 20 years ago at a bedkit distribution in the Philippines.
We distributed 300 bedkits there, had a small lunch and then traveled about 20 minutes to Imus Cavite to distribute another 300 bedkits.
I interviewed a mom with her son in the afternoon at this site. They were excited to receive the bedkit items, especially the school supplies. The son was not wearing the pajamas because they were too small for him. He's taller and bigger than many of his classmates and enjoys going to school. He likes writing, drawing cartoon characters and creating stories with intense action!
It was a Happy Mothers' Day.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Nepal, 2026: May 14
Today is our last distribution day in Nepal. After 6 days and 16 distributions I was truly overwhelmed by the expression of love from the people of Nepal.
Today, the proud hilltop people of the Gorkha region gathered en masse for our first distribution and effectively "piped" us in using their traditional instruments. Everyone was ready and smiling - Namaste greetings were in abundance. I had to fight back the tears realizing the importance of this gift provided by SCAW. After the ceremony we distributed 243 bed kits in 38 minutes. All hands were helping from the SCAW team, Rotary Members, to the teachers, to the senior students, and even the mayor of the municipality.
Distribution 2 was full of fanfare and dance performances by the children before we distributed to two schools including the second group of school children who had walked a few kilometers to be there. This was followed by more dancers and presentations by local dignitaries who play a critical role in making this happen.
We, the SCAW team, can't thank our Rotary partners and municipal officials enough, and together with caring principals and teachers, the Nepal 2026 distribution has been a success and thousands of children are now sleeping better in Nepal.
Team Nepal, 2026
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 14
After a quick rooftop breakfast at our hotel in Angeles City, we set off for the first of two distributions in the city of Magalang - 350 bedkits to be given out at each one.
One of the highlights of the morning session was the opportunity to meet and interview a woman, Marieta, whose son had received a bedkit from SCAW 20 years ago or so. Her son is now married and working as a motorcycle repair man. He has children of his own - one of whom lives with Marieta and who received a bedkit today (see photo below). Marieta noted that the contents of the bedkit were used for seven years and were very helpful - especially the mosquito net. She asked me to pass on her gratitude to our Canadian donors.
Between the morning and afternoon distributions, our team had the opportunity to visit the homes of a couple of our bedkit recipients. It was a sobering experience coming face to face with the poverty and unbelievably difficult living conditions of so many people here.
In the afternoon’s distribution, I met a 55-year old woman named Gina. She has 11 children living in a small two-room dwelling. Her youngest child was receiving a bedkit. Gina is a single mom whose sole means of support is the income of her two older children. She found the school supplies to be the most helpful items in the bedkit - it’s difficult for her to buy supplies for the nine children who still live with her.
After all the bedkits were distributed and all the final group photos were taken with our hosts and site volunteers, we boarded the van and set out for the two-hour drive to Candaba. As the sun was setting, we arrived at the Lola Corazon Leisure Farm which had the feel of a typical Canadian summer camp with modest but comfortable accommodations and a large swimming pool. The water was as warm as a bath, but nonetheless a welcome relief from the relentless heat and humidity. After a swim and a cool drink together, it was off to bed to rest up for a big distribution day tomorrow and the trip back to Manila.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 13
This morning our team found itself in Bacolor. Upon arrival we were greeted by a sea of excited faces. The Kiwanis club had set up the outdoor gym beautifully for the distribution, with lots of help from teachers who came in, despite it being summer vacation.
Very close to the Bacolor Integrated School is the famous San Guillermo Parish Church. This church was built in 1576 and rebuilt in 1886, following a devastating earthquake. On Sept, 3 1995 an enormous lahar flow of ash from the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption, buried much of Bacolor under 6 to 20 feet of volcanic debris. Only 12 metres of the church remained uncovered. Parishioners now enter the church through the window that was over the main entrance. It was a wonderful detour suggested by our Kiwanis hosts, Lanie and Melvin.
During the bedkit family interview, I found out that this was the family church that they attend every Sunday.
This afternoon our Mabalacat distribution was also a success despite the 36 plus degree temperatures.
Looking forward to another busy but rewarding distribution day tomorrow in Magalang.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 13
This morning our team found itself in Bacolor. Upon arrival we were greeted by a sea of excited faces. The Kiwanis club had set up the outdoor gym beautifully for the distribution, with lots of help from teachers who came in, despite it being summer vacation.
Very close to the Bacolor Integrated School is the famous San Guillermo Parish Church. This church was built in 1576 and rebuilt in 1886, following a devastating earthquake. On Sept, 3 1995 an enormous lahar flow of ash from the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption, buried much of Bacolor under 6 to 20 feet of volcanic debris. Only 12 metres of the church remained uncovered. Parishioners now enter the church through the window that was over the main entrance. It was a wonderful detour suggested by our Kiwanis hosts, Lanie and Melvin.
During the bedkit family interview, I found out that this was the family church that they attend every Sunday.
This afternoon our Mabalacat distribution was also a success despite the 36 plus degree temperatures.
Looking forward to another busy but rewarding distribution day tomorrow in Magalang.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 12
All the distributions are special in their own way, but the afternoon of May 12th in San Carlos City, Pangasinan would hold an unexpected surprise. The local government had many staff on-site to assist with providing equipment for a wonderful music and dance program. As one of their audio-visual specialists looked out upon the SCAW team and the children with bedkits he realized he himself had been a recipient of a bedkit over 20 years ago. After discussion with local staff the dots were connected; our most-experienced team member had been present on that distribution and may have even put it in his hands!
Alejandro De Guzman explained that he had used his bedkit items well into his high school years. The kit was very appreciated and he is now happily employed in a good job. We couldn’t have been happier to see a success story first-hand.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Nepal, 2026: May 13
Today, 401 bed kits were distributed to children at four schools in Sahid Lakhan Rural Municipality, known for its rugged Himalayan hills and valleys. Much appreciated was the support from the teachers, our Rotarian partners, and program of traditional dancing which concluded the day's distributions.
The challenging terrain limits infrastructure and accessibility, resulting in few formal job opportunities and requiring travel to Bhaktupur, 40 kilometers away, for higher education and advanced medical care. Transportation may be unreliable, especially during the rainy season when landslides may temporarily wash out sections of roadway.
Approximately 70 percent of the population relies on subsistence agriculture, farming primarily for their own consumption rather than for income. Although the cost of living is much lower in Nepal than in Canada, employment opportunities in rural Canada, such as farming, forestry, and service industries, offer salaries that support a higher standard of living.
Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is an economic concept used to compare currencies based on the cost of a specific basket of goods and services in different countries. In rural Canada PPP is estimated at USD 52,744 while in rural Nepal it is around USD 6,578, highlighting a stark contrast in income levels and living standards between the two countries. This contrast underscores the value of the bedkit, which not only aids the individual child but also significantly enhances the purchasing power and standard of living for the entire family.
Team Nepal, 2026
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 10
SPECIAL MOTHERS’ DAY ADDITION
We are hot and tired after 12 hours of distributions! These ladies gave up their Mother’s Day to hand out bedkits to 600 children around Cavite, Philippines. It was great working with you all and celebrating our day with the mothers of these beautiful and deserving children.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda (group 2), 2026: May 12
The children arrive early at the distribution sites. Many have travelled great distances by bicycle or motorcycle and many more walk several kilometres.
They then lineup with their registration cards and wait to be be dressed in their new outfits. While we are setting up the site for photos and distribution, they wait again
We try to find time to meet the children … they seem to appreciate when we say good morning, stop to shake hands.
And the distractions of blowing bubbles or tossing a beach ball help them to relax.
The globe beach balls have been a real hit … and the children (and teachers) love the geography lesson, showing them where in the world to find Uganda and Canada.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Nepal, 2026: May 12
Today was a busy, hot, exhilarating, and bone rattling kind of day. We left Pokhara behind after two great days and headed back toward Gorkha and Kathmandu. Out of our three distribution sites today, the first two were completed smoothly and in good time. The initial plan to take a cable car up a looming mountain to our next site was dismissed because it would have entailed a lot of backtracking. Instead, our convoy of three SUVs drove for over an hour up the mountain on the roughest roads imaginable.
Hairpin turns and steep drop-offs kept our skilled driver on his game the whole way.
After lunch at our mountain-top hotel, we headed to our third site of the day where we were greeted with beautiful floral garlands and smiling faces.
Another uphill walk took us to Manakamana, site of the Manakamana Temple (temple of wishes), a Hindu pilgrimage destination.
297 children will sleep well tonight. I wonder what adventures await us tomorrow! An exhausted but eager team is ready to meet our first group of children tomorrow. Bring on the smiles!
Team Nepal, 2026
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 11
We are headed north to Pangasanin Province. For Team Philippines 2026, it’s another travel day.
We met up with our driver, Allan, who expertly wove his way through crazy Manila morning traffic. En route we were invited to meet the Governor of Papanga province, Lilea Pineda, who was extremely interested to learn about the good work of SCAW and thanked the organization for helping the children of the Philippines.
The governor’s office made special arrangements for our team to visit Lubao Bamboo Hub and Eco Park which is currently closed to the public due to upgrades.
Next we swung (pun intended) by the Padera Verde Golf Club, where Stephen (our team duffer) was able to hit a few at their driving range.
All of this was followed by a lovely lunch where we said goodbye to our wonderful guides for the morning, Caren, Jericho and Frances.
We arrived in Calasio in late afternoon and after freshening up we had a meeting to plan for tomorrow’s distribution. It’s going to be another busy day, so it’ll be an early night. Looking forward to another day of young, excited faces.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda (Group 2), 2026: May 11
Today it was a privilege to interview two families who received bedkits.
The first family was a single mom with five children. She was so thankful for the bedkit. It is a challenge for her to afford the school fees. Her son wants to be a priest.
The second family was also a single mom with five children. She walked ten km with her son to the distribution site and left the other four children at home. She was so appreciative of the items in the bedkit, especially the mattress and mosquito net. Her precious eight-year-old son wants to be a doctor. One of her concerns is her ability to afford the school fees.
Thanks to our generous donors the dreams of these children are one step closer to them turning the dream into reality.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda (Group 2), 2026: May 9
Our second day of distributions in the APAC district was an eventful one.
We began the day at a school about an hour's drive from where we are staying. Upon our arrival we received a gracious welcome from the caregivers of the children who would receive the bedkits.
As always, the site managers and local volunteers had the preparations well in hand, and we were able to begin the distribution soon after our arrival. The cheerful and respectful children moved through the various stations quickly, and the distribution of 500 bedkits was completed in no time.
After a traditional lunch provided by a local cleric, we were off to the second site of the day, just a 30 minute drive away.
To this point in our trip, the weather had been very hospitable. This day was to be different.
We had almost completed our setup for the afternoon's distribution when the heavens opened, and the heavy rains came. Time to pivot.
Our experienced team jumped into action, moving the photo station into a classroom, and rerouting the flow of the children through the process. After a short delay, we were back in business. Fortunately, the mattresses and bedkits were in protective plastic, and we were able to send the recipients home, once again in the sun.
Thanks to our generous donors in Canada, 1000 children will have a better night's sleep.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda (Group 2),2026: may 8
Today we had a late start as there was a problem with the truck having a flat tire. No worries. When we arrived to mothers singing us a welcome we saw an assembly line of volunteers unloading, rolling and tying mattress and filling buckets with the bedkit items. The children were able to shelter from the sun under an amazing large tree tree while they took turns getting into new clothes and waited for us to set up for the distribution. Everything ran smoothly and 500 excited children headed home with their gifts from our wonderful donors. The teachers and volunteers then treated us to several songs they had prepared to welcome and thank us. We appreciated their help and their kind welcome.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda (Group 2): May 7
We had an early distribution at Zirobwe before we headed north to APAC.
There were a few raindrops as we made our way along narrow roads to meet 500 joyful children, their families and friends. The sun came out!
We had a long drive ahead of us on a road under construction and then a ferry boat ride to cross the River Nile. Water plants clung together and appeared as a floating island. Narrow fishing boats dotted the river.
The Inner Wheel of Kampala’s long hoped for dream has come true, to have distributions in Northern Uganda.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Nepal, 2026: May 10
It's fascinating how it is possible to identify a country by its unique sights and sounds. Here, of course, the sight that is most recognized is the magnificent Himalayas. But the one thing that is universal is the sounds of children squealing in delight, their eyes wide with wonder as they see the gifts they are receiving.
No matter how many times I have been fortunate to be chosen to be on a bedkit distribution, no matter where in the world a distribution has taken me; no matter what challenges we face, we do this for the children - to give them a bit of comfort, a chance for a better life, to show them that there are people, even from thousands of kilometers away, who care. And we do, every day of every trip, always.
Team Nepal, 2026
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦