HAPI: A Night with the Unsheltered
By Shawn Evans Quiming
HAPI Scholars
In Poblacion, Malolos, Bulacan, last January 20, HAPI Volunteers and HAPI CFO Mutya Valenzuela spent the night with the unsheltered in order to deliver 80 packed dinners, 60 brioche buns with butter and sugar, 80 packed biscuits, and 100 bottles of water. The total number of recipients increased to 160 when other people, such as street sweepers and hard-working workers, were also given meals. It’s only the start of 2023, yet HAPI is already going full steam with its volunteerism. Recipients were happy, delighted, and excited; for some of them, it was their first time eating that day.
“Helping unsheltered people is one of my greatest dreams in life. That is why even in my younger years, I [saw] to it that I help them in my own little ways,” said Valenzuela.
Last December, GO Humanity greenlit an increase in funding for HAPI under its food security program. HAPI is deeply appreciative of the extra budget as it will enable the organization to assist more people. The above event is only the first instance of us taking advantage of GO Humanity’s generosity; along with our monthly chapter feeding initiatives, HAPI will aid the unsheltered this year by gathering gently used clothing, shoes, bags, blankets, “banig”, children’s toys, and other donations from supporters of its cause. Along with this, we’ll also be giving out hot dinners, bread, and drink. All throughout the year, goods will continue to be collected.
We would like to express our gratitude to GO Humanity for enabling the organization to assist the unsheltered through its food security program. To our readers and fellow volunteers, please get in touch with us if you would want to donate products comparable to those listed for upcoming gatherings. This simple act of kindness toward our fellow human beings gave us tremendous pleasure and delight as we were able to ensure that we would be able to fill their stomachs and put a smile on their faces.
“With the smiles on [the recipients’] faces and the nonstop ‘thank you’s, I know that the event was a success,” Valenzuela concluded.
