On 11 December 2015, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Makati Chapter ("IBP - Makati") held its Christmas Party and launched its Christmas and Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) giving activities.
President Gbert Zerrudo jumpstarted the event with a report on IBP - Makati’s fund-raising activities. He then delivered inspiring words on how IBP - Makati will support 2 CSR projects involving: (a) GreenEarth Heritage Foundation (“GreenEarth”); and (b) Kythe Foundation (“Kythe”), and how these activities will have longer impact on the lives of its beneficiaries.
GreenEarth is a developmental, humanitarian and advocacy organization whose mission is to preserve the environment, to adhere to sound and sustainable agricultural practices and to help in the alleviation of poverty through livelihood, education and community development. IBP - Makati will donate PhP300,000 to GreenEarth to support its reforestation projects where officers and members IBP - Makati will personally participate in its tree planting activities.
Kythe is a non-profit, non-stock organization aimed towards improving the quality of life among hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illness. IBP - Makati will similarly donate PhP300,000 to Kythe to support its Kythe Child Life Program. Kythe will create a program for IBP Makati’s activities that will involve, among others, (i) engagement with hospitalized children like flying of kites on Kythe's summer days of fun; and (ii) spending volunteer days to read and spend time with hospitalized children.
Ms. Mylene V. Matti, Founder and Executive Director of GreenEarth, and Ms. Maria Fatima Garcia-Lorenzo, Executive Director of Kythe, introduced their respective foundations and presented their advocacies and activities to the officers and members of IBP - Makati. Then, President Gbert Zerrudo, on behalf of IBP – Makati, entered into a memorandum of agreement with these foundations and symbolically gave the donations in a mock turn-over of checks. The first installment of the donations were then given to Ms. Matti and Ms. Garcia-Lorenzo.
After the launch of the Christmas and CSR giving activities, the rest of the evening was filled with several festivities consisting of sumptuous buffet, singing, performance of live band and, of course, never-ending flow of alcoholic drinks.
The experience was celebratory but, more importantly, eye-opening and humbling. It has shown how IBP – Makati in collaboration with GreenEarth and Kythe can give generously to those not as materially blessed as us.