SHOM Manila, Spouses of Heads of Mission, once again donated to five local beneficiaries to help support bettering the lives of less fortunate children and women of the Philippines, granting around ₱1,6 million.
On October 8th, 2024 SHOM organized a charity gala comprising a fashion show and a silent auction of donated artworks. A joint effort of talents by foreign heads of mission accredited to the Philippines; ambassadors, spouses and their children, the fashion show was a very well attended event where guests were showcased the beauty of fine examples of Filipino traditional dresses; Barong and Filipiniana, among an exhibition of paintings and photographs.
SM, with its Kultura and Fashion Forum brands, together with Newport World Resorts were the two main sponsors that made the charity gala possible.
This year, the five local beneficiaries that received funds are as follows:
1. ACAY Mission – School of Live Program: is a transformative residential program guiding 13-20 young women annually, aged 16-21, from trauma to empowerment. The program is designed to rebuild self-esteem, foster healing, and prepare the youth for self-sustainability and reintegration into society.
2. Childhope – The KliniKalye Program: serves over 500 children and youth in street situations every year, providing essential healthcare services to these vulnerable individuals.
3. ICAN Center: provides residential home for children who were once living on the streets, giving them the “home life” experience, providing them with educational opportunities and access to health and wellness.
4. Kalipay Negrense Foundation – Kalipay Room Project at the Bacolod Hall of Justice: a safe and child-friendly space designed for children with court cases. This project ensures that vulnerable children have a secure and comforting environment where they can feel at ease while navigating the legal process.
5. Virlanie – WAYS Mobile Unit Project: provides basic literacy and life skills, supports school enrollment and retention, and implements targeted interventions to improve overall well-being.
Indri P. Akyol – chairperson of SHOM Diplomats for a Cause, representing other members stated, “SHOM is not only an cultural exchange platform for its members from 36 countries; it also strives to introduce their culture as well as the culture of its host country. But most importantly, we have committed to show our love to the Philippines by giving back to our unfortunate Filipino brothers and sisters. Each year we aim to keep our commitment strong and consistent.”
SHOM for the past 50 years has also been actively involved in the International Bazaar, a collaborative charity bazaar with International Bazaar Foundation (IBF) of DFA that is organized every year in November. Distribution of funds from the 2024 International Bazaar will be in the spring of 2025.
Over the last decade, SHOM has supported education and feeding programs in Manila and also across the archipelago of the Philippines. SHOM has also assisted in the building of classrooms in remote areas in Mindanao and supported mental health and women specific causes. Aside from providing much needed funds, the group has also donated books, toys, special aid to premature babies, and many items for victims of natural disasters.
