Sharing gifts and giving hope through My Dream in A Shoebox

by Sam Oliquino and Excel V. Dyquiangco

Education campaign My Dream In a Shoebox brought cheers and smiles to communities during its recent gift-giving activities in the Greater Manila Area.

The most recent outreach spearheaded by TeamAsia took place a couple of days before Christmas at the Ascension of our Lord Parish in Parañaque, joined by partner organizations Genpact and Indian Women in Enterprise Philippines (IWE Philippines). With over 500 children in attendance, the event featured games, prizes, and storytelling led by TeamAsia President and Founder Monette Iturralde-Hamlin.

Dream kits containing school supplies collected through the campaign and donated by employees and other partners of TeamAsia were distributed to the children. There were also “delicious and healthy food prepared with love and care” and given out by IWE Philippines.

“Since 2009, we have been visiting our partner communities, meeting children to hear their stories, and sharing our dream kits. We are thrilled that, after three years, we get to do this again and witness the joy on the faces of the children who receive our little gifts, inspiring them to strive and continue their education,” said TeamAsia Managing Director Bea Lim.

The education campaign continues to adapt to and address the changing and expanding education requirements of Filipino children, particularly through its collaboration with Yellow Boat of Hope. The partnership has raised funds to establish educational hubs in remote areas of the Philippines and continues to support and send children to schools. It also fosters meaningful connections that enable the development of impactful programs to inspire children to stay in school and make their dreams come true.

‘Beacon of hope’

For the past few months, My Dream In a Shoebox has given hope to underprivileged children in several communities through its activities.

Aside from Parañaque, other beneficiary communities were the Liberty Christian Baptist Church in Pasig, where 675 dream kits were handed out; and the Sto. Nino de Baseco Parish in Manila where 100 dream kits were given out in partnership with the Top 100 Filipinos on LinkedIn and VB Consulting.

The Payatas Orione Foundation in Quezon City received 530 dream kits, the Christ the King Parish got 500 dream kits, and the San Pedro Calungsod Parish was given 500 dream kits as well. 

“My Dream In a Shoebox has become a beacon of hope, illuminating the lives of underprivileged children with moments of joy and endless possibilities. Together, we’ve sown the seeds of dreams, nurturing a future filled with promise and potential,” said Lim.

The sponsors for these gift-giving activities included TeamAsia, Genpact, Willis Towers Watson, ANZ, Eastern Communications, IWE Philippines, E-Guardian Philippines, and Sandugo Magilas Elite Eagles Club. Willis Towers Watson also donated one educational hub.

Source: The Red Circle