Philippines: 6,000 Bedkits Delivered

April 12^th: Mission Accomplished

The 2008 Philippines Sleeping Children Around the World Canadian travelling volunteers with the last two bedkit recipients in Meycauayan, Philippines.

(Left to right) Dennis Jones, Patti Jones, Ken Graham (Team Leader), Andrea Tynan, Brenda Porter-Lockhart, Wayne Witney.

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Philippines: Two more distributions to go

We had only one distribution today. At this one, I was able to observe the checking-in process whereby each child is verified against the master list before being assigned their tag/recipient number which they wear until just prior to having their picture taken.

Upon further investigation of the various classrooms, where groups of 50 children waited patiently for their turn, I observed a special needs child with his mother. When I mentioned this to one of the local support people they were already aware and were moving this child to the first position to avoid delays for this family. I was told that this is SOP (standard operating practice) for this group; I should have known, since they really do seem to think of every detail. Today in particular, there were 80 local volunteers including the mayor plus twenty teachers who covered the costs associated with transporting the children to the distribution site.

One other practice by Sleeping Children Around the World is the survey; typically two parents/guardians are selected at each distribution site who are asked to scrutinize the bedkit contents and answer a series of questions. Their well-thought-out responses will no doubt help to ensure that all the bedkit items meet their needs.

As two SCAW team members set up the bedkit for the display, another reviewed three randomly-selected bedkits to ensure that all itmes were contained within (See list of bedkit items). I can assure you that our Philippines OVO [Overseas Volunteer Organization] has excellent quality control with respect to this important detail.

This will likely be the last live report from us. Later today we are going to be travelling for about five hours to the next site where we will stay tonight and have two final distributions tomorrow. Then we willl wrap up with a meeting with the Philippines SCAW core committee to discuss how things went.

Another successful SCAW distribution: moving us that much closer to the millionth bedkit.

Signing off,

Brenda Porter-Lockhart
for the 2008 SCAW Philippines Travelling Team

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Philippines: Photo Album

Photos from Philippines Photo Album 2008

This is the only father I surveyed. He provided some excellent insights into the bedkit contents and had some suggestions that I feel will be very helpful.

He and his daughter had a one-hour ride home -- both of them, with the bedkit, on the bike.

Brenda Porter-Lockhart
for the 2008 SCAW Philippines Travelling Team

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Philippines: Distribution in Angeles

From Philippines Photo Album 2008 SCAW Canadian travelling team: (Left to Right) Back: Patti Jones, Andrea Tynan, Ken Graham (Team Leader), Brenda Porter-Lockhart. Front: Wayne Witney, Dennis Jones.

All is progressing well - the distributions are an absolute pleasure despite the heat.

In all cases, we are welcomed with open arms and sincere appreciation. In some cases, we are also treated to some cultural dances or children in costume which is wonderful.

While booking into our hotel in Angeles after a very long day, our spirits were lifted when a young man, working in the hotel, introduced himself as a bedkit recipient 20 years ago in the same area. He had recognized the SCAW name from one of the Kiwanian's t-shirts. You'll be hearing more about this in the donor newsletter that will accompany the pictures we send out when we return.

We are so proud to be representing all the Sleeping Children donors each and every day.

Brenda Porter-Lockhart
for the 2008 SCAW Philippines Travelling Team

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Philippines: 650 Bedkits on April 6

Less travel time today.

We were on location and ready to begin by 8:30 am. Following the smooth distribution of 350 bedkits, we were able to walk around the surrounding area and visit a 3,000 square metre community where approx 300 families live.

One hundred of the bedkits were distributed to children who live here and we were welcomed and thanked as we walked down the narrow alleys. There will be more information about this in the newsletter to follow. The bedkit recipients are easy to identify as they are all wearing bright t-shirts (red, green, orange or blue) and colourful printed shorts decorated with Nemo, Miss Kitty, Winnie the Pooh, and Sponge Bob. They also have huge grins on their faces.

At the afternoon distribution of 300 bedkits, we were greeted by singing children.

All went smoothly and the children were given a bag of snacks by our Overseas Volunteer Organzation as a reward for their patience.

Brenda Porter-Lockhart
for the 2008 SCAW Philippines Travelling Team

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Philippines: The 2008 Bedkit

Here is a list of the items in this year's Philippines bedkit:

• 3 pair cotton shorts
• 2 t-shirts
• 1 long sleeve jersey
• Plastic ground mat
• mosquito net
• blanket
• pillow
• pillow case
• raincoat
• bath towel
• washcloth
• handkerchief
• socks
• flip flops
• backpack
• 4 notebooks
• 3 pens
• 5 pencils
• dozen markers
• ruler
• plastic envelope for school supplies
• 3 toothbrushes

All those items were able to be bought for your donation of $30 — something that is making a lot of children in the Philippines very, very happy this week.

Brenda Porter-Lockhart
for the 2008 SCAW Philippines Travelling Team

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Philippines: 700 Bedkits today

Today started early. We were enroute by 6 am and we didn't arrive until almost 11 am. Some of the children had travelled for as long a time as us, since they came from islands. Despite a further delay due to a torrential downpour, all 350 kits were distributed.

Following lunch we travelled to Imus, passing Lake Taal and the Taal valcano which was spectacular. Since we were already behind schedule, a police escort was arranged and we arrived at 4 pm. We made record time and distributed all 350 kits to the children who had patiently waited. We finished up just before sunset.

A wonderful day and many happy children who will, no doubt, sleep well tonight.

Brenda Porter-Lockhart
for the 2008 SCAW Philippines Travelling Team

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Philippines: The team has arrived

Current Weather:

We arrived safely and the team is well and raring to go.

We spent Day 1 getting orientated and viewing the location where all 6,000 bedkits are stored. We also viewed the assembly process which our overseas volunteers have down to a science.

Our first two days of distributions have gone very well and the recipients and their parents are most appreciative. Tomorrow is an early day.

Brenda Porter-Lockhart
for the 2008 SCAW Philippines Travelling Team

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Philippines: Leave your comments here

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