SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: December 5

Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), an organization based in Canada, partnered with World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. (WOSDI) for the distribution of bedkits to 5,000 children in the Philippines. SCAW donates funds to WOSDI and the latter organizes the purchase and distribution of bedkits.

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The distribution was done over a period of two weeks in the month of November in 16 sites located in the regions of Ilocos, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and NCR. Earlier this year, bedkits were given to 1,500 children in NCR. It was a heartwarming experience for the Kiwanis Clubs of Cainta Vista Verde, Angeles City, Cainta Hope, and Pasay City, who organized WOSDI, to see the happy faces of children and their parents receive a one of a kind gift that was meant to improve the sleeping conditions of children as envisioned by SCAW founders Murray and Margaret Dryden. SCAW believes that every child deserves a good night’s sleep and that a day of hope begins with a good night’s sleep. This purpose blends well with, and finds true meaning in, the Kiwanis motto of Serving the Children of the World.

It was timely that the distribution of bedkits was done in the month of November which has been declared as National Children’s Month. A solid partnership between institutions that care for children. SCAW. WOSDI. KIWANIS. CHEERS!

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 30

This is a remote distribution. DAY 8 Talisay, Batangas. Today’s post was written by Melvin from WOSDI.

Today, 600 children in Talisay, Batangas were recipients of bedkits donated by Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW). The bedkits were distributed by World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. ( WOSDI) which was formed by the Kiwanis Clubs of Cainta Vista Verde, Cainta Hope, Pasay City, and Angeles City. This is the 2nd time that bedkits sourced from funds donated by SCAW were distributed in Talisay. It was another heartwarming experience for the members of WOSDI to see the happy faces of children, aged 6 to 12, receiving their bedkits as an early Christmas gift from SCAW.

The distribution which took place in the Marquesses Memorial Gymnasium and the air-conditioned St. William Hall of the San Guillermo Parish was very orderly because the local volunteers had previous experience in the distribution of bedkits from SCAW. The children entertained themselves with songs rendered by 3 of them who were given cash prizes for their efforts.

Happy children, happy faces, grateful parents, and very helpful local volunteers made our day.

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 28

This is a remote distribution. Today’s post was written by Melvin from WOSDI.

Another very busy day. 300 bedkits were distributed in Emilio Jacinto Elementary School in Tondo and 300 bedkits in Ususan, Taguig.  Both sites are in Metro Manila but travel time between the sites was more than an hour.  The sites were in spacious covered courts. There was a little delay in Ususan as the delivery truck got caught up in traffic.

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In Ususan, the children sang Christmas carols when they saw their early Christmas gifts! The school principal together with volunteer teachers were very thankful that SCAW, through WOSDI, was able to reach their area. The school principal apparently did some research on SCAW and was very happy to know that bedkits have been distributed in the Philippines since the mid 80s.

It was hot and humid in the afternoon and electric fans had to be brought out. Actual distribution in both sites took a little more than an hour from the time that the children were dressed up in their pajamas.

School teachers and members of Kiwanis did a splendid job in organizing the event. 

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 27

This is a remote distribution. Today’s post was written by Melvin from WOSDI.

The 7th day of distribution was another eventful day. The recipients in Talang were dressed in their new clothes when we arrived at 8 am. Because the distribution was scheduled to start at 9 am, there was ample time for a special presentation by the children. They started off with their morning exercise ritual, singing their school hymn, and singing the national anthems of the Philippines and Canada. There were special dance numbers from the students and the officers of the PTA. The teachers did a splendid job in taking care of the children. Talang is one of the best organized distribution sites as one of the members of WOSDI was a graduate of that school.

In Panclara, a remote village, there was a 40 minute delay because of a heavy downpour. Portions of the gymnasium were wet and children and parents had to huddle under umbrellas.

There was another surprise dance number from Canadian flag-bearing students. When we arrived, we were greeted by children waving red and white banners. There was a small glitch when one of the labels did not have the name of a sponsor. We checked our files and email, but with the same result. We decided to continue and take a picture of the blank label. Both sites in Candaba were in covered courts. We were treated by local Panclara leaders to delicacies well known in the area. One child was all smiles when he received his gift and requested one more bedkit for his brother!

It was the 8th day the WOSDI group was out of town. Tired and weary, the thought of seeing children happy with their gifts  was more than enough reason for us to continue distribution in 5 more sites.

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 25

This is a remote distribution. Today’s post was written by Melvin from WOSDI.

Today’s distribution in Tarlac City and Angeles City went well. It was only marred by 10 latecomers who came from distant places. We were about to get substitutes when the 10 recipients arrived, 35 minutes late. 

We had a special guest in the Tarlac City site in the person of Mr. Avelino Tanjuakio, Jr (pictured below) who lives 2 blocks away. He is the son of Avelino Tanjuakio Sr. who, together with Dr. Ito Torres, happens to be one of the original partners of SCAW, in the Philippines. Both of them are members of Kiwanis. I recall that the two of them went to Canada to talk to Murray Dryden in the mid-1980s and that is when the partnership of SCAW with Kiwanis started. 

We had another special guest in Angeles City in the person of Michelle Garcia (pictured below) who is a teacher in EPZA Resettlement Elementary School where the Angeles City distribution took place. She is 29 years old. When she was 9 years old she received a SCAW bedkit in Magalang, Pampanga, our next distribution site. She no longer has any of the contents of the bedkit in her possession which either got worn out or got lost when they transferred to another house. She said that there are more contents in today’s bedkits and that they appear to be more durable. 

There were a couple of children with disabilities who were given priority. One was in a wheelchair. A parent of one autistic child failed to notify us because she was not aware of the preference given to children who are in similar situations. One child vomitted on the premises but appeared to be okay after a few minutes.

In Tarlac City, we noticed that there were still small children who did not appear to be at least six years old. We talked to the guardians and local volunteers and found out that those aged 7 years and above were in school and were not allowed to go to the distribution site which was far from their school. As a result, they could only gather children who were below 6 years of age. These below-aged children were not on the list of recipients. 

Distribution in Angeles and Tarlac took place in spacious covered courts, which were well lit and ventilated. The recipients in both sites gave thunderous applause when they were shown the contents of the bedkits. At both sites, there were dance performances from students, some of whom were also recipients.

Our local partners are members of Kiwanis from Tarlac and Pampanga.

Based on the interviews, a mosquito net is in demand, especially in areas where there is still no electricity. Many parents instructed their children not to remove their face masks for health reasons. We were able to convince some to remove their masks during picture-taking although some others did not want to do so. 

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Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 24

This is a remote distribution. This post was written by a member of the Kiwanis Club of Ilocos Sur

Dream of Every Child Turned Into a Reality : The Distribution of Bedkits

There are moments in a community’s story when compassion becomes more than a virtue - it becomes a movement. In Ilocos Sur, such a moment unfolded as organizations, local leaders, and volunteers came together with a shared purpose, to bring comfort, dignity, and hope to 600 children from the towns of Santa and Salcedo, Ilocos Sur. What began as a simple act of giving sleeping kits grew into a shining example of how unity and service can change young lives. When hearts beat for the same cause, ordinary days turn into extraordinary stories of love for children.

Behind this mission were two organizations fuelled by a deep belief that every child deserves comfort and care. Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) in Canada has long carried this compassion across borders, offering bedkits that bring not only warmth and rest, but also a sense of being seen and valued. In the Philippines, the World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. (WOSDI), led by PLD Gov. Melvin Mendoza, embraced this same calling with heart and purpose. Bound together by a shared understanding, the two organizations forged a partnership that opened the door for hundreds of young Ilocanos to experience a simple yet powerful gift, a peaceful night’s sleep. Their united mission became the spark that ignited an unforgettable act of community love in Ilocos Sur.

When WOSDI turned to a local partner to carry the mission forward, the Kiwanis Club of Ilocos Sur (KCIS) stepped up without hesitation. True to their mission of serving children everywhere, the club took the lead in identifying 600 indigent children across Santa and Salcedo. Officers and members coordinated closely with school principals, local mayors, and Municipal Social Welfare Development Officers to ensure that every child in need would be included. They organized logistics, secured distribution venues, and even partnered with the local police for safety transforming a challenging task into a well-planned, seamless operation. Through their collaboration, KC Ilocos Sur under the able leadership of President Leopoldo Gironella Jr. and with the guidance of Charter President Edgar Tejada and all other officers and members demonstrated unwavering support and mutual understanding that when commitment meets careful planning, acts of service can reach far and touch many lives.

The mission’s success was a true testament to the power of community. In Santa and Salcedo, Ilocos Sur local government leaders opened their hearts and resources, allowing the Santa Farmers Multi-Purpose Building and the Salcedo Covered Court to become spaces of joy and hope. School principals, Municipal Social Welfare Development Officers, and the local police worked side by side with Kiwanis volunteers, ensuring that each child was recognized, welcomed, and cared for. The day was filled not only with the distribution of sleeping kits but also with laughter, shared meals, and the simple warmth of human connection. In every detail from the safe and orderly process to the delicious snacks provided, the collaborative effort radiated a message that when a community joins hands, children truly feel seen, valued, and loved.

The officers and members of KC Ilocos Sur were more than organizers, they were living examples of kindness in action. From carefully distributing each sleeping kit to sharing smiles, snacks, and bottled water, they poured their hearts into every interaction. Laughter echoed through the venues as children received their gifts, and the volunteers’ genuine care created moments that went far beyond the material, the simple act of being seen, valued, and loved. In every helping hand, in every warm greeting, the spirit of Kiwanis came alive, a reminder that service is not just about giving, but about touching lives and inspiring hope. The joy and gratitude of the children became the heartbeat of the day, proving that when love and action meet, communities flourish and dreams take flight.

The distribution of sleeping kits to 600 children in Santa and Salcedo was far more than an act of charity. It was a living testament to the power of unity, compassion, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves comfort, dignity, and care. Through the heartfelt collaboration of SCAW, WOSDI, KC Ilocos Sur, and the local government units, this mission became a celebration of community spirit, love in action, and dreams uplifted. Laughter, gratitude, and joy filled the air as children received their kits, but the true gift was the sense of being seen, valued, and cherished. Tonight, as the children rested peacefully in their new sleeping kits, the ripple of human kindness lingered, a reminder that when hearts join together for a common purpose, ordinary moments transform into extraordinary legacies of hope.

 Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 21

This is a remote distribution.

Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), in partnership with World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. (WOSDI) went back to Burgos, Ilocos Norte for the second time after about 7 years. 350 joyful and grateful children were selected from various localities with the help of local leaders and teachers from Burgos Central Elementary School. Mayor Crescente N. Garcia allowed the venue to be transfered to the town gymnasium so as not to disrupt classes in the nearby school.

We were treated by the Mayor to lunch with lechon (charcoal roasted pig), grilled fish freshly caught from the nearby sea, and a hard to find seaweed known as “gamet” which can only be found in Burgos.

Parents were very happy to see their children receiving an early Christmas gift. When the contents of the bedkits were displayed, even the teachers and other volunteers wanted to have their own bedkits! Teachers, students, a policeman, the Mayor and some local leaders had fun when our group allowed them to have their pictures taken while handing over the bedkits to the children. It was an unforgettable experience for them.

The distribution took only a little more than an hour because the recipients were well-organized and well-behaved. Special mention goes to spouses Ruben and Nona Rivera who graciously lent their air-conditioned tourist bus to transport the bedkits from Manila and provided snacks for the children. The bus will also be used for other distribution sites in the Ilocos region.

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 19

Usually, a team of SCAW volunteers from Canada take the lead in the distribution process but they had to cancel their trip this time due to some unforseen events. We have teamed up remotely.

The Kiwanis Clubs of Cainta Vista Verde, Cainta Hope, Angeles City and Pasay City formed a non-stock and non-profit corporation known as World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. (WOSDI) which partnered with Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW). This is the second time this year that SCAW donated funds to WOSDI.

The funds donated by SCAW are used exclusively for the cost of bedkit items. SCAW believes that every child deserves a good night’s sleep and that a day of hope begins with a good night’s sleep. This blends perfectly well with the motto of Kiwanis which is “Serving The Children of the World”. With the guidance of SCAW, WOSDI takes care of overall planning, supervision and organization of the distribution process, including the purchase of bedkit items and selection of local coordinators for each distribution site who, in turn, identify recipients who are between 6 to 12 years old.

The first distribution site for November 2025 is in Marikina Elementary School with The Bread of Life Disciples Inc. as local coordinator. The teachers of Marikina Elementary School and members of the Philippine Coast Guard assisted WOSDI in the distribution process.

Thank you to our donors and our hard-working partners for making this remote distribution possible.

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: April 6

It feels like we just arrived and now it is time to go!

Today we had our two final distributions.  At both we arrived at a school full of children already dressed in their new pjs and a multitude of volunteers to help with the distribution.  A lovely young girl said the opening prayer and we sang both national anthems. 

The distributions went extremely fast due to the help of volunteers including the Coast Guard, the Fire Brigade and several Kiwanis clubs.  After all was said and done, there was the requisite paparazzi.  

During our short time here, we have learned that Filipinos love to eat.  Today alone we had chicken, pasta (2 types),  pizza (2 types), garlic bread, and more types of noodles than we can count. And that was just lunch! 

We are so touched by the hospitality, generosity, and enthusiasm of our OVPs, and by the excitement of everyone involved in making this such a success.

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams 🇵🇭 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: April 5

SCAW donations deliver immediately at the household-level.

To me, one of the most fascinating parts of the always fascinating SCAW distributions is having the chance to talk with parents who usually wait by the dozens at our distribution sites. These conversations can give us a real understanding of the immediate impact that the arrival of donated bedkits can have in the homes of the recipients.

This conversation starts initially with unpacking a bedkit in front of groups of parents so they can see what’s inside - item by item. The level of cheering after seeing each item shows how useful each will be in their family settings. This is then followed up by one-on-one interviews with parents with the support of our overseas volunteer partners who help encourage parents to participate and who can also serve as translators.

Today, in the course of our second day of distributions in the Philippines, I interviewed 4 parents. We started with developing an understanding of their household situations - number of adults and children in the home and current sleeping arrangements. This was followed by their assessments of which items in the bedkit would be the most useful (today blankets topped the list) and which would be less so - a difficult question to answer because they were all so grateful for everything that has been included. But the most interesting questions to me are those that uncover just how much the household will change for the better, immediately upon the arrival of the bedkit. A young girl who has spent her life sleeping on a broken couch now has her own bed. A young boy who has always shared his mattress with two growing siblings will sleep alone tonight on his new mattress while his siblings find their own shared bed less crowded by one.

Eventually, over the course of a 10 minute interview more comfort builds in the dialogue. Soon you don’t need any more interview questions to feel the smiles of gratitude and see the tears in the eyes that let you know that we are making real, immediate impacts not just with the individual child to whom we present the bedkit but more broadly across their entire home and family.

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams 🇵🇭 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025; April 4 - Photos

These photos should have accompanied the blog that was posted yesterday.

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams 🇵🇭 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: April, 4

Our day began by meeting some friendly faces, and some familiar ones too. These were Kiwanis Club representatives - some having spent decades supporting SCAW's work - who kicked the day off with a brand of joyfulness that so perfectly reflected the warmth of the Filipino spirit that we had only started to uncover.

Then came the factory tour where we met cousins Marvin and Fred, stewards of a 40-year-old family business that has evolved from producing rice sacks to manufacturing apparel for some of the Philippines' largest distributors. While impressive in itself, it was their business plan that left me feeling like our overseas partners had secured a terrific supplier. The cousins explained how they were growing a collaborative network of cottage industries across Luzon - already employing over 100 people - outlining their business model that provisioned equipment and training to rural Filipinos with an aim of stemming the tide of labour migrants forced to leave their families and their villages for the grinding metropolis of Manila.

The afternoon brought our first distribution. We delivered 300 bedkits to 300 smiling faces whose patience seemed improbable in the 33 degree heat. We talked to many of these children and their curiosity was truly contagious and their ability to play rock paper scissors impressive.

It's been one day since we landed, and we're one distribution in. I've been struck by the kindness of the Filipino people, but I'm truly in awe of their resiliency. It's going to be a great distribution, and we're in the right place.

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams 🇵🇭 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: April 3

After a very long travel day, the team arrived in Manila extremely tired and excited to begin.  We were graciously met and warmly welcomed by our OVP.  It was far too early in the morning for our hotel rooms to be ready so we spent time visiting the warehouse where the bedkits are put together.  The kits look amazing so the children will be very excited! The warehouse was buzzing with activity, there being only one day until the distributions begin.

From left to right: Cindy H., Ian C., Stuart C., Diane B.

Team  Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams 🇵🇭 and SCAW 🇨🇦

Distribution 8 - Philippines - March 2023: Blog #9

It is with mixed emotions that today we conclude our SCAW bedkit distribution of 1000 kits. In total 6000 children will be sleeping much better thanks to SCAWs’ most generous donors. As Sue said “it is surreal”.

Some children were very excited while others were apprehensive and shy but overall all were overjoyed as were their families.

Our first site was in a community centre while the second one was at a secondary school.

At the first site we had a significant number of mountain kids , Aeta, who are significantly smaller in stature.

At the second site many of the children were engaged in a special reading program.

As always our local partners , the Kiwanis members plus others readily and happily stepped up to get the job done and resolve any and all challenges we faced; such as when the truck carrying 500 bedkits was too high and would hit the electrical lines necessitating unloading and the relocation of the 500 kits, as anxious children and families waited.

All stepped up to help: some on foot, others by a small vehicles and to our amazement even the local ambulance and its people helped out.

These pictures say what words can not.

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Distribution 7 - Philippines - March 2023: Blog #8

We had a lovely distribution near our hotel with a successful count of 500 children.

There was  extra security provided as we gave the kits straight out the truck. You can

always feel the excitement in the air … followed by some desperation by those who did not

receive a kit.  The need for bedkits is great here.

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The children were chosen thru Kiwanis and a church organization but

some were brought in on school buses. The temperature is 33 degrees and

the sun can be overwhelming at times.

Distribution 6 - Philippines - March 2023 - Blog #7

As we headed out of town to the rural areas we were greeted by the views of crops in the fields and the smells of chicken and pork farms at the distribution site.

The children were over-joyed when we arrived and we all sung both our national anthems with pride.

After 2 distributions of 500 children each we took a quick moment to view the caretaker’s home. It was a room  that was smaller than a regular bedroom. The family with 5 kids lives there with 2 parents and a grandmother. No stove or kitchen. They are allowed to stay on the gym site as long as they take care of the gym.

Many parents on the outside were begging for their children. I had the privilege of giving out bedkits. It can sometimes feel chaotic with the noise and bustle all around.   We hope these children sleep with a little more joy tonight.

Sue Orr

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Masking - Philippines, March 2023

This being the first in person SCAW distribution since the start of the pandemic, there were many issues and concerns, one of which was the determination of the need for masking.

It was decided that the travelling team would take its lead from the country of distribution and the local distribution centres.

Prior to boarding the aircraft we were advised to wear a mask at all times except when eating.

Arriving in the Philippines at the Manila airport we were required to register on line all our vaccine history, including dates and which vaccine we received.

Within the airport masks were prevalent on most, if not all, of the people. This was also the case with ground transportation and at the hotel and adjacent mall.

We were advised that daily reporting of active cases was occurring and that the numbers in Manila were much higher than the outlying provinces which explained the stricter adherence to masking in the densely populated areas.

We, especially the photographers, think that the smile, always sought for in picture taking, would be missed since many of us consider the mouth turned up to illicit a smile which we believe signals joy, happiness, appreciation etc . A mask covering the mouth reminds us that these emotions are also expressed in other ways such as twinkling eyes, touch, laughing, giggles, body movements and, with these children, remarkable hand gestures indicating love, appreciation and joy. 

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Joy is clearly evident in these photos!

We anticipate that those receiving pictures of children who have chosen to keep their masks on will be understanding and supportive of their choices for safety of self and others.

Distribution 5 - Philippines, March 2023

Today's distribution was in the home city of our host Dr. Ito Torres.

The morning distribution we gave out 350 bedkits and again after lunch we gave out another 350.

Beside the Kiwanis group we also had the Boy and Girl Scouts as our volunteers to help with unloading the bedkits and assisting the children when needed.

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After the distribution we were shown the Kiwanis building and the library which they have set up on the main floor.

Tomorrow is a day of rest.

Fran

Distribution 4 - Philippines, March 2023

Today the distribution occurred at two quite different sites within the Manila area. 

The first location was a church and 350 bedkits were distributed with the assistance, as always, of a fantastic team of over 40 Kiwanis  members. The second site was an athletic facility and again 350 children were present, showing obvious gratification when they received their bedkits that included a mattress, sheet, pillow and pillow case, mosquito net, 2 pairs of shorts, 4 tee shirts, a raincoat, 3 notebooks, pencils and pens along with a back pack.

At each location we start the distribution with the two countries’ anthems and a prayer. Both of these sites surprised us with a performance. There was a cultural dance at the church and an amazing song in English plus a different cultural dance at the second location.

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There was no doubt about the joy the children and their families felt in receiving the bedkits from the generous donors to SCAW, often adding hand gestures of appreciation which seems to be a common additional way of expressing oneself here in the Philippines.

Distribution 3 - Philippines, March 2023

Today was a mixed day of distributing 350 bedkits combined with travelling back to Manila from a few hours south of Manila. We had stayed overnight in a town close to the volcano that had a high risk of a massive eruption in 2020. The volcano risk and emergence of COVID in 2020 cancelled our 2020 distribution. Everybody including us and especially the kids welcomed our return.

The trip back to Manila had a bit of fun when we visited the oldest church in Asia, period costume dress up and a treat of Halo Halo.

 There were  some very happy kids.