When the opportunity to share and help those in need arose, Primer Group employees (KaPrimers) immediately answered without hesitation.
It was a season of giving and caring when the Primer Group of Companies’ Employee Volunteer Group organized a carnival-themed Christmas outreach- The Primer CAREnival– for 30 kids of Caritas Manila and Center for Community Transformation (CCT).
Smiles and laughter reverberated throughout the Primer Star Center parking lot, as the children, together with their KaPrimer ates and kuyas, played at the game booths, participated in games and magic shows led by professional magicians and clowns, enjoyed lots of food and sweets, and basked in the overflowing gifts donated by KaPrimers.
Although the Christmas air was chilly on that late afternoon, KaPrimers hearts felt the warmth of the genuineness of the bond between employees and the children.
“The experience was really heart-warming especially when we got to see the kids smile and enjoy the whole program. It’s great to get to share our time and blessings to the kids this Christmas. I hope we get to do more of these soon,” Marinella Mallari, one of the volunteer ates, said.
“The CAREnival event was great. The main objective of making all the kids have fun is achieved. Food, games and the loot bags were all set to satisfy every kid who participated. I am glad I was part of the event and will definitely go back for next year,” says volunteer kuya Reggie Arciaga.
Among the gifts that each child received were a pack of candies and loot bags with school supplies, toys, hygiene kits and grocery items, all donated by generous KaPrimers.
“Upon reading the e-mail about the CAREnival to sponsor 30 kids, I decided to give colored pencils and coloring books for the kids [so we can] share some of our blessings. I want the kids to be happy by receiving [the gifts] so that they may also know that they are all being cared [for],” says Ma. Shirly Cruz of Kenrich International Distributor Corp.
“Noong nabasa ko ‘yung announcement ng [Corporate Communications] regarding sa CAREnival event, naisip ko na agad gusto ko mag-volunteer ate, pero since gaganapin dito sa office, in-encourage ko din other teams to volunteer, then we came up na lang sa idea na mag-provide ng magicians/clowns para mas maging happy ‘yung mga kids. And because it’s the season of giving and sharing at dahil OnePrimer tayo, the whole admin team gives their 100% support.
[When I read Corporate Communication’s announcement about the CAREnival, I immediately though of volunteering, and since the activity was taking place in the office, I encouraged other teams to volunteer too, and then we came up with the idea to provide magicians and clowns to make the children happier. Since it is the season of giving and sharing, and because we are One Primer, the whole Admin team gives their 100% support.]
Happy naman kami na yung idea namin na ‘yun eh nag-paint talaga ng smiles sa faces ng mga bata. Nagpapasalamat kami [sa corporate social responsibility team] na may mga ganoong event tayo, at least nakakatulong in our own simple ways,” says Ann Ollorsa of the Purchasing Department.
[We are also that our idea painted a smile on the children’s faces. We would like to thank the Corporate Social Responsibility team for these events that let us help other people even in the simplest ways.]
“There are a lot of Ka-Primers who want or make it a point to give back and share their blessings by sponsoring or spending quality time with those in need. And this CAREnival event, together with the other projects being initiated by The CSR Team year round, is a great way to do it. Thanks and congratulations to the team and all KaPrimer volunteers for making this momentous event happen!” Eric Sarmiento, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Primer Resources Corp., expressed.
“This event would not have been possible without the hardwork of all the KaPrimer volunteers and donors. We would also like to thank the management for pursuing this kind of event. This really makes other beneficiaries happy, and our employees truly fulfilled,” says Marisel Sy, Employee Volunteer Group president.
Being able to give gifts and time for the kids made the KaPrimer volunteers happy, but seeing the children enjoying and laughing their hearts out was the best gift that KaPrimers received for Christmas.
Thank you to all the SPONSORS and DONORS who helped made the event possible.
Donors and Sponsors for The Primer CAREnival
For volunteer opportunities, contact Patrick Damasco at patrick.damasco@primergrp.com or at local 520.
For more information about Primer’s corporate social responsibility, contact Kristine Villaflor at kristine.villaflor@primergrp.com or at local 520.
You may also follow C.O.R.E. on Facebook (@CORE.ph) and Instagram (@core_ph).