SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 9
Our team started the day on the bus from Daet to Manila—a 10-hour trip over some rough switchback roads. We were all on a high after a wonderful couple of days in Daet, distributing bedkits and enjoying the warm fellowship of our Filipino friends and partners there. We arrived in Manila at 5:30 am with red eyes, having had varying levels of sleep on the bus. We checked into our hotel and rested up for a few hours before setting off for our afternoon distribution in Antipolo City, an hour or so east of Manila.
Awaiting us in Antipolo City were three hundred beautiful children, all wearing their colourful SCAW pyjamas and excited to be receiving their bedkits.
After the customary opening prayer and singing of both the Filipino and the Canadian national anthems, we got to work distributing bedkits. It was particularly hot today, but the joy on the children’s faces as they received their gift of a good night’s sleep warmed our hearts.
After the distribution, we enjoyed a quick but delicious dinner provided by the local volunteers. Then we set out for our hotel in dense rush hour traffic, navigated expertly by Allen, our driver. It was a long but satisfying day, ending with a lovely get-together hosted by Sheila. Then to bed - another busy day awaits.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Nepal, 2026: May 9
Today was a travel day as we made our way back to Pokhara from Burtibang. It was a 6 hour arduous drive through the Himalayan mountain range foothills. Known mainly for Mount Everest, the whole country of Nepal is a beautiful place to visit, if you ever get the chance in your lifetime.
Team Nepal,
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Nepal, 2026: May 8
Today’s distribution by Team Nepal took place near the village of Burtibang. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, this region is a beautiful place to visit, and it could be easy for a visitor to overlook the poverty of most of the Nepali citizens in this area. Despite the economic circumstances of these Nepali children, they are extremely friendly and seem very happy with their day- to-day lives. We distributed 1,100 bedkits today despite all the challenges of the terrain and the weather.
En route to the distribution site we discovered we were unable to drive directly there, as the hillside road was washed out from a thunderstorm the day before. The team had to trek up a steep set of stairs to get to the first distribution site. This road washout also made it difficult for the bedkits to be delivered to the school.
During these breaks while we waited on more kits, the team was treated to several lively traditional dances by children who were in full costume.
It was a rewarding experience for the team watching the kids slowly make their way up the hillsides with their mattresses and bedkits at the end of the day.
Team Nepal, 2026
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 9
Today was our last day in Daet and also a rest day since we are booked on the night bus back to Manilla. It was decided we’d do a little sightseeing.
After breakfast we headed out to El Tugawe De Mananap (Tugawe the Animal/Beast), with our helpful guide Steph, a very popular recreational area on the Mananap River. Here we found waterfalls that created natural pools, perfect for swimming. The water was wonderfully cool on a hot, humid day. The surroundings were peaceful with many Filipino families enjoying the day together.
On our way to lunch we spotted a Carabao (Filipino water buffalo), and snapped a selfie or two.
After a lunch of delicious Filipino fare we headed for another swim; this time in the Pacific Ocean. Here we body surfed in water as warm as a bathtub!
Before heading to the bus depot we had our last of many meals and fellowship put on by very generous Kiwanian hosts. We also had to say goodbye to our local driver Mark (Epoy) who we all grew very fond of in the three short days we had with him.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda (Group 2): May 7
What a day! It's hard to describe our incredible day. The pictures tell the story.
We were greeted at Kiribedda C/U Primary School with some dancers.
The school's motto is "if others can I can". Over 300 parents and community members greeted us with loud cheers. We distributed five hundred bedkits to these excited children.
Then it was off to our second distribution where another 500 bedkits were given to the children. The smiles of the children and volunteers made this such a worthwhile day. All of this could not happen without the work of Rotary's Inner Wheel of Kampala who spent countless hours ensuring everything went smoothly.
For the children …
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 7
This was an exciting initiative and day for us all: the children, parents, Kiwanis members, SCAW team and World of Sweet Dreams members. Daet is a new location for our distribution of the bedkits. The energy of an early morning breakfast hosted by hospitable Kiwanis members was a great way to begin a busy and important distribution day
Morning and afternoon distribution followed at school sites, Gregorio Pimentel Elementary School and Mancuz Hall. Huge cheers welcomed us to each site! Opening exercises included a prayer and the singing of both the Philippine and Canadian National anthems. Jean MacNabb, our team leader, introduced each team member to the children and supporters.
A total of 700 excited children received beautiful bedkits at each outdoor hall. Six parent/child interviews were held. These conversations revealed the deep appreciation for each item in the bedkit along with helpful comments. Visiting a few of their homes was a wonderful way for SCAW team members to appreciate the very challenging circumstances of home life, their crowded sleeping conditions and the needs of their children.
We observed large vegetable gardens and rice fields nearby which provided the needed food for their families. There is no doubt that Daet families were delighted by the gift of the bedkits and that the community would welcome SCAW’s return.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Nepal, 2026: May 7
Our planet gets smaller every day. Events big and small in one part of the world impact others in a different part of the globe. Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal is a microcosm of our world's diversity, encompassing a wide array of ethnic groups, languages, cultures, and religions. As we completed our distribution today, our team of six SCAW volunteers, alongside Rotarian partners, and senior students at Shree Prabha Secondary School in Nisikhola, reflected on the links between donors, volunteers, and friends in Nepal. Although geographically separated, we are of one mind in our commitment to improving the lives of Nepal's children.
As volunteers it is our privilege to witness first-hand the fruits of SCAW's endeavours. The joy evident in the faces of the children receiving bed kits today said it all!
Of course, none of this would be possible without the contributions of our donors 6,000 miles away. Our world seems a very small place indeed.
Team Nepal, 2026
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 6
We spent 2 days in Manila doing 4 distributions and then we traveled to Daet which is SE of Manila. To reach Daet we travelled 10 hours overnight by bus reaching Daet by 6 am.
The exciting part of this journey is that SCAW has never been in this area of the country. This morning we visited both sites where we will hold distributions tomorrow. We met the Mayor who is also with Kiwanis.
We visited the beach and dipped our toes in the Pacific Ocean.
Our evening was complete with a lovely dinner at the farm and a chance to practice our karaoke skills.
Team Philippines, 202
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Nepal, 2026: May 6
Today the team left Burtibang to head into the upper elevations of Baglung Region to the community of Nishikhola. Children in the 10 schools in the area came together in 2 distributions totalling almost 1,000 bedkits.
Living in hillside shanties on a small plot of farmed land with a few animals is a common way to make a living in this area, but barely a substantial one. This is accentuated by the often difficult conditions in the area including recent heavy rains and the 2022 earthquake that made many of the roads impassable due to land slides. Access is still difficult. Many of the recipients made long treks today to receive the bedkits.
As always, the children's excitement, expressions and often surprise when receiving the kits is priceless, and the exceptional good nature and will of the people of Nepal was not only present from the recipients but also from the young people that helped us in the distribution. The senior students in this school rose to the occasion. Kudos to them. Despite the mixed weather of the day, spirits remained high and the distribution was complete.
Today's highlights include seeing a bed kit being navigated up a steep hillside to its destination far above the distribution centre and watching Diane interact with the children with a hand puppet.
Lots of smiling 😊
Team Nepal, 2026
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW blog: Philippines, 2026: May 5
Our hosts for the afternoon distribution did not have indoor space for 300 children to wait. So the creative Kiwanis team put chairs on the street after blocking all traffic. The overhead streamers and whirligigs, gave wonderful colour to the scene.
The truck carrying all of the 300 bedkits was a safe distance away so we could easily give a bedkit to each child after the photos were taken.
A beautiful young girl dressed in her gift pajamas, sang to the crowd.
Photos were taken inside with many volunteers helping the children to stay in line to receive their bedkits outside.
Our SCAW team is delighted to be working with the World of Sweet Dreams Inc. charity here to continue the promise of a good night’s sleep for future health and success.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, (group 2), 2026: May 5
It has taken many months of planning and preparations by Team Uganda, our Overseas Volunteer Partner, the Inner Wheel of Kampala, and all the other people who support our efforts, but finally our reward is here. This was Day 1 of our distributions, and we couldn't have been more excited.
We arrived at a rural school to see a glorious sight: nearly five hundred children and their caregivers waiting for us. The children were already dressed in the clothes that are part of the bedkits - t-shirts and shorts for the boys and dresses for the girls. The colours of the clothes were as vibrant as the children wearing them.
It has taken many months of planning and preparations by Team Uganda, our Overseas Volunteer Partner, the Inner Wheel of Kampala, and all the other people who support our efforts, but finally our reward is here. This was Day 1 of our distributions, and we couldn't have been more excited.
We arrived at a rural school to see a glorious sight: nearly five hundred children and their caregivers waiting for us. The children were already dressed in the clothes that are part of the bedkits — t-shirts and shorts for the boys and dresses for the girls. The colours of the clothes were as vibrant as the children wearing them.
Thanks to the ladies of the Inner Wheel and the many volunteers they had gathered, the site was mostly set up for us to begin the distribution. Some quick assessment and reorganization, and we were ready to go.
Once we got into our rhythm, things went extremely smoothly, and before we knew it, the last child was leaving with their mattress and other bedkit items.
I had heard very good things about the Inner Wheel, and they certainly lived up to the billing. Helpful, efficient, compassionate... they demonstrated each of these. All with humour and grace.
After we had finished the distribution, we were able to visit the home of a child who received a bedkit today. We learned a little about her family's circumstances, and how this gift from one of our generous donors will make a real difference to the family. It truly drove home the impact of a $40 bedkit delivered with love.
What a great start to our distributions! We are all eager to repeat the experience again tomorrow.
May we all be blessed with a good night's sleep.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Nepal, 2026: May 5
Today was relocation day for Team Nepal to get us closer to our first distribution site. The first step was a short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After sitting in the plane for 2 hours, we finally took off for the hop, skip and jump flight. What a view of the Himalayas as we arrived in Pokhara! Towering above the airport was Mount Machapuchchhre, part of the Annapurna range. Thrilling!
The next step was a roller coaster-like drive through the mountains and valleys of the Annapurna range. All around us were forested mountains, fertile terraced valleys, colourful villages and farms, rushing rivers and mind bending suspension bridges. Even though the route covered only 165 km, it took just over 6 hours of skilled driving to navigate through the mud, the potholes, the oncoming vehicles and animals on the road.
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 2
We met at Talaria Inc, Pasig City, for our pre-distribution meeting. This was the factory where 70% of the bedkit items were made and assembled.
Fredrick Ho, the director of sales, greeted us enthusiastically and gave us a detailed tour of the buildings. We saw how the fabric was selected, cut, checked and double checked for quality control.
The Talaria family business started with 4 sewers and increased to 40. We met many of the business partners and employees.
Our formal meeting included all our team members with Melvin and Lanni of World of Sweet Dreams Inc, as well as a few members from participating Kiwanis Clubs. They unveiled a new banner which they wanted to use at all the sights. That was special.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Nepal, 2026: May 4
This is the morning of Day 1 for Team Nepal. We had a welcome meeting with our gracious Nepalese hosts where we were shown the bedkit items and given a rundown of the itinerary.
We are all very excited to see the children at our first distribution after a travel day tomorrow.
Team Nepal, 2026
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW blog: Uganda, 2026: May 2
Yesterday, May 1st, we completed our final distribution of 500 bedkits in the Gulu region, making it a total of 4000 bedkits.
What an amazing experience! Our SCAW team members were so happy to help provide these gifts from the wonderful donors in Canada to these lovely children. Our partners in Uganda, the Inner Wheel of Kampala Central, were so great to work beside in this endeavor.
As we approach the end of our journey, the Inner Wheel ladies had arranged an excursion to Murchinson National Park while we are in this region before returning to Kampala.
After entering the Park, we encountered some of the natural wildlife, such as elephants, antelope, water buffalo, a ground hornbill, giraffe, baboons and warthogs.
Elephant (with birds)
Antelope
Water Buffalo
Ground Hornbill
Once we reached the top of the Falls, we could hear the rumble of the rushing water. A member of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) met us and was our guide to the Falls. He described the history behind the name and about the waters that flow into and out from the Falls.
Seeing the Falls was breathtaking!
The thunderous roar, the cascading water, the silver white spray. What a magnificent sight! It was mesmerizing.
This was a lovely ending to our trip. Many thanks to the ladies of the Inner Wheel who made this possible.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, (Group 2) 2026: May 3
We arrived in Uganda, a little travel weary, happy to be here with our wonderful Women of the Inner Wheel who came out to meet our 10:20 pm flight and get us to our hotel.
Sunday was our ‘rest’ day! Following a relaxing morning, we were picked up by Mohammad, our driver, to visit one of Kampala’s 3 world heritage sites … the Buganda Royal Tombs Kasubi … where we enjoyed a wonderful tour. Augustine, our guide, walked us through the history of Uganda.
A fabulous first day … ending with an enjoyable evening with our 2 Uganda Teams getting together over dinner.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Philippines, 2026: May 3
The very first day, of my very first SCAW distribution could not have been more special. After fortifying myself with a hearty breakfast I nervously boarded our bus at 7:30 am and we departed en route to Barangay Fortune, Marikina City. When we arrived we were greeted by a sea of 300 children, proudly dressed in their new colourful pyjamas. Shy smiles and waves communicated their excitement!
We were so grateful that our hosts had arranged a covered venue in the local elementary school as the temperature quickly climbed to 36 C.
After a crash course in how to organize a distribution I was given the task of “marking” the children. This important task helps to identify those that have been photographed and move them forward to receive their bedkits.
Little did I know how profound the connection would be to hold the hand of each child and draw a happy face on their tiny finger. As I held their hand and said the word “happy” it seemed like the nerves and tension melted away. I was often treated to a big smile! The small connection across language and worlds will stay with me forever. I heard “thank-you, Po” so many times yet it was me that was truly grateful. I released them to receive their bedkits, finally seeing first-hand the profound impact that each donor’s gift would have on a deserving child.
I thank SCAW for the opportunity to share in this incredible experience and our Kiwanis hosts in the Philippines for welcoming our team so graciously!
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, (Group 2) 2026: May 3
We arrived in Uganda, a little travel weary, happy to be here with our wonderful Women of the Inner Wheel who came out to meet our 10:20 pm flight and get us to our hotel.
Sunday was our ‘rest’ day! Following a relaxing morning, we were picked up by Mohammad, our driver, to visit one of Kampala’s 3 world heritage sites … the Buganda Royal Tombs Kasubi … where we enjoyed a wonderful tour. Augustine, our guide, walked us through the history of Uganda.
A fabulous first day … ending with an enjoyable evening with our 2 Uganda Teams getting together over dinner.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, (Group 2) 2026: May 3
We arrived in Uganda, a little travel weary, happy to be here with our wonderful Women of the Inner Wheel who came out to meet our 10:20 pm flight and get us to our hotel.
Sunday was our ‘rest’ day! Following a relaxing morning, we were picked up by Mohammad, our driver, to visit one of Kampala’s 3 world heritage sites … the Buganda Royal Tombs Kasubi … where we enjoyed a wonderful tour. Augustine, our guide, walked us through the history of Uganda.
A fabulous first day … ending with an enjoyable evening with our 2 Uganda Teams getting together over dinner.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 2
We arrived safely on May 1, 2026 around 6:00 am after a 16-hour non-stop, full and pleasant flight. The four of us travelling from Toronto Pearson Airport had a new experience when we were asked to put our carry-on luggage on the scale, before we weighed the checked luggage. Two of the carry-ons were over the seven pound limit so we all spent several minutes transferring items to checked bags. Thankfully, we were successful.
The three other team members who were travelling from Vancouver were very excited to meet us in Manila. It was a happy time for us to be finally together, after so many months of planning.
The manager of the Overseas Volunteer Partners was waiting patiently for us. We were delighted to meet him.
On the way from the airport, we stopped to tour the famous Museo De Intramuros and see the beautiful and historical San Agustin Church in Manila.
We are excited to get to work delivering bedkits and seeing smiling children.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦