by: Grace Rivera and Love Ann Sison / Eagle News
Charity work is a sentiment very much rooted in our ethical values. Such is true for many organizations trying to make a positive difference in their communities.
We are living in a world of global recession with many households struggling to maintain a sustainable source of income due to the spike in the costs of simple essentials which has now become a universal cause for concern. In the United Kingdom, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) sponsored a charity movement at ILEC Conference Center in Earls Court, London in commemoration of their 50th year anniversary of establishment in Europe.
In service to their local communities the Church of Christ continues to play a part in providing resources and necessities through various charitable acts and humanitarian projects under the Iglesia Ni Cristo FYM foundation.
In an effort to extend their support to the wider community, Care for Humanity invitations and flyers went out to several neighbourhoods and charities in and around the greater London areas. The focus of this year’s work is geared towards helping smaller charities who are struggling to maintain their services as well as support groups who need help.
Some of the invited guests were public authority representatives and different charity committees whose public services were commended and recognised by the Iglesia Ni Cristo for their commitment and honourable services to the community.
Ashley Robinson from The Upper Room, a London-based charity for the homeless supporting disadvantaged individuals, was pleasantly surprised by his experience. “I’ve been hugely impressed by what I’ve seen. To have been presented with such a worldwide push to support people in need really touched my heart.”
Aware of the challenges faced by local charities, Chantel Wallace, healthcare staff from Manchester, was pleased to see the Church of Christ extending help to them. “They are doing a good job in recognising the charities, offering that extra support where the government isn’t, so it is lovely to see that they are there not just for the communities but for the charities that are struggling and it gives them the encouragement to continue going because they are not alone, the Church (Iglesia Ni Cristo) is with them.”
Michael Duque, Founder of Philippine Nurses Association of UK (PNA UK), describes caring as an act that comes naturally for all nurses, for others, it tells a different story. “Caring has been lost in our daily lives. Through this activity, I do hope that everyone would stop and have a bit of time to care for our neighbours. If everybody does so, then what a better world this would be.”
A crowd-packed auditorium of over 2,000 delegates were delighted by a host of live musical entertainment and documentary presentations including a short introduction to some of the INC’s worldwide charity initiatives.
Aletah Drake from Jamaica, admired the humanitarian work of the FYM Foundation in supporting global communities. “It’s not just for the United Kingdom, it’s for nations.. hearts are being touched, lives are being saved, the care and the support that are going through are just simply amazing.”
More than 1,000 care packages containing non-perishable food items and basic personal care products were given away to guests and charities along with free food parcels.
Errol Lim Isip, representative from Aguman Kapampangan UK is among the recipients of the donated packages. “The Foundation gives so much impact to so many people I’ve seen today, I’m so proud to be part of it.”
Also from Aguman Kapampangan UK, Stella Gomez shared her admiration of the charity foundation.
“The Felix Y. Manalo Foundation is incredibly good, it has helped a lot of people not only our own people, but other places around the world, it has really touched every person’s hearts, to continue and help support Iglesia Ni Cristo and to make an impact to the lives of disadvantaged people.”
For Ryan Wallace, a chef assistant living in Manchester, receiving a care package was truly unexpected. “We thought we were going door to door to neighbouring communities to hand out food baskets, but when I found that it’s their (Iglesia Ni Cristo) gifts for being here, that was surprising”, he said.
Donating our time and sharing our resources to support those around us gives us a unique sense of purpose. It’s also an opportunity to give back to the community and grow as an individual. Today’s challenging times is a call to break down social barriers and build a more cohesive community.
