Having been a part of InfoTrust for over a year now, it never fails to amaze me on the company’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility. That giving back to the community is not just for show but rather, a core part of who we are and what we do.
This past November, the InfoTrust Philippines team, through the InfoTrust Foundation, made a visit to Everlasting Hope, a non-governmental organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children with cancer and their families. The experience was nothing short of heartwarming as our team had the privilege of interacting with the children in the shelter. Amid the challenges these children faced, the atmosphere was filled with moments of pure joy, laughter, and shared smiles. The visit wasn’t merely an event; it was an embodiment of our collective commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
A Story of Hope
One of the highlights during our visit was the storytelling session we had with the kids. The selection we picked was titled When A Kid Like Me Fights Cancer, written by Catherine Stier. As the title implies, it recounts the experience of a child who discovers their cancer diagnosis and realizes they have a strong support system in their loving family, friends, and community, as well as hope.
The activity was not just a simple story telling where the narrator reads and flips pages of a story book; rather, each of us were involved as we gave life to the characters in the story through a skit. It was like a little stage performance (scripts, blocking, timing, you name it!) and as the production manager guiding my fellow InfoTrusters with entering and exiting the ‘stage’, I couldn’t be more than grateful for their passion to showcase their talents to the children, even with the last-minute preparations.
By the end of the storytelling session, we gave each child a handmade medal with the words ‘I am a Super Kid!’. It was a touching moment for each one in the room, and it was a moment that made me realize how strong of a feeling hope is. When I saw one of the children looking fondly at their medal, I felt that somehow that gave them a boost of confidence too. That behind the words ‘I am a Super Kid’ was the trust that truly, they were not alone in the battle. They have their families, their friends, the staff at Everlasting Hope, and now, us at InfoTrust.
Voices of Hope
Following the storytelling session, our team was moved when two children volunteered to sing their favorite songs. Among the two who volunteered was a little girl named Katniss, and she just finished her sixth round of therapy that day! Witnessing her confidently begin her song, a surge of emotion overcame me and I found myself holding back tears. Her gratitude, despite the challenges she faced, resonated deeply with me.
It was also because I knew what great of a fight these children were facing that made the experience emotional for me. Every lyric held so much gratitude, a hopeful hymn that made me grasp how brave these children really are, and that was a heartwarming experience.
A Reinforcement of Commitment
Engaging in community outreach activities has been a consistent part of my life, and our visit to Everlasting Hope served as a reminder of my commitment to such service. Connecting with these children, hearing their stories, and witnessing their resilience reaffirmed how blessed I felt to touch their lives through the foundation’s initiatives. It became obvious that even the smallest gestures of support can create a ripple effect, brightening their days and inspiring hope within their hearts.
This experience truly solidified my dedication to continue contributing to the community. I’m fortunate enough to belong to a company that holds this mission to their core, knowing that each effort, no matter how small, contributes to a larger, meaningful impact. More than just distributing medical supplies and food to the children, this Basket Brigade event is a story of giving and receiving hope—a continuing story of creating miracles one cause at a time.
