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 🇨🇦
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 🇨🇦