Welfareville, a Philippine community of 60,000 squatters living on government-owned land subdivided into 42 blocks, is made up of small shanties that normally accommodate 6-10 family members. The overcrowded environment and lack of resources produce poor living conditions and an increased risk of contagious diseases. The children grow up in an atmosphere of little hope.
But right in the heart of block 37, under the direction of Pastor George and Blessie Padilla, 160 children in the Reliv Kalogris Foundation’s nutrition program are receiving a hot meal two times a week from Pastor George’s church and a daily cup of Reliv Now® for Kids from the RKF. In spite of their living conditions and daily challenges, these children show their gratitude by singing of their joy and sense of hope. Many Reliv Distributors have heard the Himig Pag-asa Children’s Choir in the Welfareville video played at the past two conferences. We are excited to announce that Welfareville is the location for our next building project.
Building a Future
Groundbreaking has already taken place for the new building that will provide a safe place for the children to receive their daily shakes. This simple three-story structure will protect the kids from the intense heat in the dry season and exposure to rain during the wet months. It will also house:
- a daycare center to help prepare the kids for formal school
- community activities and youth events
- mini-clinics held by visiting doctors to provide free medical care
- livelihood training programs for parents
- …and a place for the choir to practice!
Amid challenges of building in such a confined space, the building is progressing and should be completed by late spring. RKF Chairman R. Scott Montgomery and Director Reggie Ament will attend the dedication in May and we will be featuring the finished building at the Reliv 25 International Conference in Orlando. This project was made possible by donations from the 2012 Rally for the Mission. To those who made their tax-deductible contributions, thank you! This annual fundraiser is much more than a morning of entertainment at conference; it is also a means to provide a safe and healthy environment for another group of Reliv Kids. See you at this year’s Rally in Orlando!