One Big Fight
“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” ― Barack Obama
It is sometimes easy to point out problems but it is not always easy to stand on our feet and do something to address these problems. Having been working in a non-profit organization for two years now, I have been exposed to different Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs from different corporations. Some of the corporations have the heart to really help the organization while some are honestly after the recognition from the works that they have done.
Last 22 November our CSR class conducted a project for the benefit of Sta. Monica Elementary School in Hagonoy Bulacan which got affected by typhoon Lando. It was pleasing to be part of a group that is really strong in pursuing a project that will have a great impact to the school and its community. Going to the school for the first time, I had thoughts of why are we doing the CSR Program. Are we doing it because we are driven by the willingness to help or are we driven by the fact that it is part of our course requirement?
Prior to the activity we raised funds through different activities. Our group sold yema cakes and graham balls to our friends and officemates. At this point, I came to a realization that it is not easy to raise funds. It is not just about selling the product and gaining profit, but moreover it is explaining to the consumers the purpose of the fundraising. Supporting the fundraising shouldn’t be out of pity but because the person believes in the CSR Program itself and the benefit that it will bring to the beneficiaries.
The actual activity was not easy either. When we arrived at the school and saw the chairs that we are going to repaint and the portion of the school grounds that we needed to elevate, we thought to ourselves that it will be an easy job. But as I go through chair after chair I felt the physical pain that is part of the activity. Trying to help in the elevation of the pathway through filling up pails with gravel was even more tedious and physically straining. But maybe all the labour as cliché as it may sound are all labour of love. It is not throwing money to the problem at hand but it is trying to be part of the solution to the problem.
Leaving the place satisfied with our painted chairs and elevated pathway, we received the warmest gratitude from the community of Sta. Monica Elementary School. The stories that we have heard and the laughter that we have shared as a team were bonuses. It is knowing that we have imparted something to the kids of Sta. Monica. It is knowing that although we cannot change everything, we have stood up to a fight that is worth it with the expectation of filling the kids with hope.
It has been a great journey living up to the Lasallian values. It was our ONE BIG FIGHT for the community of Sta. Monica.
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