incgiving – INC Giving Project

A Reason To Give

Being a nurse, one of my duties is to administer blood/blood products, and monitor patients requiring a blood transfusion. Therefore, it is normal in my line of work to see units of blood at the hospital being brought to patients’ rooms and to operating rooms. They are a dire necessity. They help save lives.

When I heard that there would be a blood donation drive sponsored by the Iglesia Ni Cristo again this year, in partnership with the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, I was eager to participate. I donated blood for the first time last year, representing the same organization, and despite the challenge I had with my small veins, I decided to give it another try.

The first time I donated blood, the nurses had a difficult time locating my veins; it took almost 15 minutes just to find a good vein. I felt anxious thinking about how difficult it was the first time I donated, but thankfully, it was much easier this time. I felt relieved.

Sitting there, I realized that I was not well hydrated, and it took quite a while for me to fill up the bag. The next time I donate, I will make sure to drink plenty of water the night before and on the day of the event, so that I can stay well-hydrated — this will make the whole process easier and quicker.

When I finally finished, the nurses offered me juice and cookies. Afterwards, they also gave me a sticker that says “Be nice to me! I donated blood today” and a cute Band-Aid that says “I gave life”.

In speaking with my fellow volunteers at the Canadian Blood Services Clinic in Surrey, it was interesting to find that some of them have given blood numerous times in the past. One gentleman I talked to has donated blood over 25 times! Another lady said it was her 12th time!

Can you imagine the number of people those volunteers and donors have helped over the years?

I felt happy that I was able to do my small part in helping my community. As I was sitting there, I wondered about the individuals whom my small contribution will be able to help.

What are their stories? Why did they need to have blood transfusions?

Even though we don’t get to see the recipients of our donation, it is still a good feeling knowing that we can make an impact on another person’s life.

During my shift in the hospital that evening, the strangest thing happened: I had a patient who needed to have a blood transfusion, and while I was preparing to attend to him, I noticed that he happened to have the exact same blood type as me!

As I prepared the unit of blood, I smiled, and thought to myself — here is an individual in front of me who would benefit from the blood donated from donors like me.

This realization made a great impact on me. As I left the room, I proudly wore my sticker that says, “I donated blood today!” I felt even more inspired to continue to donate blood whenever I can. I hope anyone reading this would be inspired to do the same.

About the Writer:

Lou Aquino is an INC Giving volunteer from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She is an active participant in INC Giving Projects and the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation.

Lou is a Registered Nurse in a Telemetry Unit, and looks after patients with cardiac conditions. Lou takes pride in helping others and believes that as a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) it is our duty to be kind and help those who are in need.

Singing For Our Veterans

“27Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.” Proverbs 3:27 GNT

This Bible verse encompasses the whole idea of the INC Giving Project, a program of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, to help, to do good deeds, and to strengthen the community.

From winter clothing drives, tree planting, and food bank donations, I’ve volunteered for each and every activity. I’m always ecstatic to see the camaraderie of the INC Giving volunteers when it comes to these activities, and the great number of volunteers and good spirits will constantly be an uplifting source of happiness for me.

Recently, the local congregation of Eastwood had an INC Giving: Singing for a Cause event. Both children and youth officers were hard at work in the weeks coming to this event; practicing songs, dance moves, and of course, being cute. Classic songs, such as “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, “You Are My Sunshine” and many more, were being prepared for the elderly at the Kipnes Centre for Veterans.

I had my own role at this event – being an emcee with another volunteer from our local congregation, Mia Medina. For both of us, it was our first time as emcees. So, of course, we were both anxious while we practiced. But no matter how much or how little we practiced, we could never prepare for the excitement that would come on that day.

On the day of the event, it was raining. But it didn’t deter the spirits of the performers or ours, the hosts. Last-minute practices of the songs and the program were echoing the halls of the building, while the elderly and their family members filled up seats. Up to the last second, our excitement was high. And then, we had a bumpy start.

After the first performance, Mia and I got a grip on ourselves and our impromptu lines. The children performed with great delight and were very cute. Our audience members were overjoyed and zealous over the kids’ performances.

One little child, in particular, surprised us with his affinity for the piano. Jian Morales, a young choir member, shocked the audience, and the other volunteers, with his beautiful rendition of classical pieces.

As the event came to a close, the final song involved the kids handing flowered presents to the elderly. It was a great experience all-round. The audience, the tech crew, the performers, and Mia and I, had a wonderful time at this event. The final words were said by the staff in charge of us being there.

As we wholeheartedly thanked them for being with us that afternoon, they respond with the same respect and thankfulness for the joy we brought them. This made all the hard work, practices, and semi-stressful times all worth it.

Doing good deeds is never a duty. It is a joy that adds to your own piece of mind and health. Small acts of random kindness is enough to create a wave of positivity and great happiness.

Whenever we can, absolutely do good things.

About the Writer:

Dave finished his architectural technology program at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He is applying for a Bachelor of Design degree at U of A. He is also the president of the Kadiwa, or youth group, in his local congregation and is an aspiring teacher for the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s Children’s Worship Service.

He believes in doing good, helping others, paying it forward and encourages everyone to be kind, be helpful, and always be a friend.

10 Tips for Your Next Teacher Appreciation Day

In my congregation, the end of school year is something that we always look forward to because we know it is that time of the year that, in a collective effort, we get to show our teachers and mentors how much we appreciate them for the amazing work they do! It is a great and fun event that enables the teachers to feel valued while giving students an opportunity to share their faith.

I remembered the very first time we held this event in our local, I saw how overwhelmed and touched our guests were and how it made the students and parents beam with happiness and pride. Before the event, most teachers and guests didn’t know about the Church Of Christ, but afterwards, they come to realise that the Church not just nurtures the faith of its young members but it also helps them to get involved actively in the community through charitable works.

They find this admirable.

Each year we try to come up with something better than what we did the previous one because there’s always room for improvement, right? It’s also good a way to be creative and keep everyone interested.

On this note, I have put together my top 10 tips to organise a Teacher Appreciation Day (TAD) event. Whether it is your first time or not, I hope you will find them helpful.

1. Don’t limit your invitation to just your own teacher

Also invite your Headteacher (or Principal), Substitute teachers, mentors, childminders. The event is for them after all! Let them know they can take others along too like their family and friends. It’s nice for the teachers to have someone there to see them get the appreciation they deserve for the amazing work they do! Most importantly, more people will know about the Church Of Christ.

thank you favors for teacher appreciation day

2. Think carefully of the souvenir for your guests

Is it something useful? Will it make them remember this special event? Some ideas are Mason jars filled with goodies, No.1 Teacher TAD badges, School Essentials pack. You also don’t even have to spend money to come up with a great souvenir. An example is when we asked students to write nice messages about their teachers in an A4 paper and sketch a picture of them. We not only displayed these artworks in art gallery but we turned them into small bookmarks which were given to them as souvenirs! Teachers absolutely loved them!

3. Have a light and fun program

If you are doing it after school, think that the teachers and students have had a long day and I would say limit the performances to no longer than five numbers. This way you can have time for short games, brain teasers or for them to watch videos made for them; Include an ice-breaker to set the mood.

4. Create an interactive environment

Have short games that enable teachers and students to work as a team. It’s great to see them interacting outside school in a challenging yet fun way.

5. Keep refreshments light

You want them to spend more time learning about you, what you do outside school, about the Church and to not use up their time trying to finish a heavy meal

6. Have a theme –

Let it reflect all the way from the invites down to your souvenirs! Some examples are what to be when you grow up, a funfair them with game booths (including a booth about getting to know the Church!)

7. Timing is key

End of school year is ideal, because by then both students and teachers know each better; Schedule it for a day which they are most likely to make it. The first time we held this event, we did a survey for the teachers, 2 months before to find out which day they are most likely to come to a TAD activity. It turned out that most of them could go on a weekday and after school hours.

Aim to send out your invites at least a month before and make a follow up 2 weeks before the activity. Teachers generally have a set schedule and busy most of the school year so lots of notice will increase their chance of coming.

8. Make the venue welcoming

Fill them with student artworks, picture gallery of CFO activities & outreach programs, have a photo booth. These ideas create lots of talking points and you will surely keep them engaged and entertained throughout the event.

9. Details do count!

Make them feel special through your decorations; put ‘Teachers & Guests’ labels on their chairs; personalise their invitations and create a great first impression! You can even get the students to sit next to their teachers during the program; have the lyrics projected for CMV songs being performed, it helps get the messages across more effectively.

10. Remember that in the end, the Church is always the star!

Make sure to find a way to incorporate our faith in the event. We want to make them feel that the parents and the Church are their partners in molding the young generation; that the youth don’t just learn things in school, the students learn things in the Church that are even more valuable like doing good and being charitable. Make them see the wonderful things you do outside school. Show video of the various community service projects happening around the world (visit incgiving.org to download episodes of the INC Giving Show) so that they will know that helping others by getting involved in the community is something that the Church gives great importance to and will come to show the teachers why we appreciate them in the first place.

Are you planning your next Teacher Appreciation Week?

Visit incgiving.org/tools to download invitations, posters, and banners for your next event. National Teacher Appreciation Week in the US and Canada is the first week of May.

About the Writer:
Love Ann Sison is from Heathrow, United Kingdom. A mother of two boys, she actively helps in various INCGiving Projects and is part of the multimedia bureau. Her favourite part about the INCGiving Project is knowing that she’s doing something good for the community and at the same time introducing them to her faith.

Replenishing the Edmonton Food Bank

The cold season in Canada is a difficult time for many families, including those in the Edmonton region.

Concerned for the community, INC Giving volunteers of the Edmonton region, came together to give a helping hand.

A food donation drive was initiated earlier this month. The INC Giving volunteers responded promptly and generously by buying and gathering non-perishable food items to donate to the Edmonton Food Bank. The support was overwhelming, and the volunteers felt joy in their hearts knowing that whatever they donated, helped numerous families in need. Volunteers empathized and understood that there was a need for food donations because many community members struggled to put food on the table for their families.

Boxes of donations were collected in the respective areas such as: Edmonton North, Edmonton West, Eastwood and Ellerslie in the Edmonton region. Then, two weeks later, volunteers gathered enough non-perishable food items to fill up to 445 boxes. Although the weather conditions were very cold in Edmonton, as many as 600 INC Giving volunteers came out to help the Edmonton Hagmann Fire Station and gave support to this Nation-Wide Campaign. INC Giving volunteers and firemen alike formed an assembly line, massing a stockpile of canned goods. Excitement and joy in the air were present, as boxes after boxes piled high at the fire station. The workers at the station working that day, could not believe the amount of food donated and the amount of volunteers who showed up to support this cause.

Chief Fireman, Tom Groot, expressed his gratitude to the INC Giving volunteers for their willingness to give so much to the community. Also, he stated that, “All these extra food will help people in need, such as the homeless, and will provide a good meal to help anyone in need to survive.” – Chief Fireman, Tom Groot

Contributed by: Jowella Mendoza

Jowella Mendoza is an active INC GIVING volunteer from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She works at a bank and spends her free time with her family and friends. Despite her busy schedule, she understands the importance of giving back to those in need because she believes that donating is an important cause that everyone should take part in, even if it’s just during a few of the day.

Stories From Manila – #21DaysOfKindness

Nowadays, not too many people take the time to show kindness towards strangers. Some say they’re busy while others may not know how to start, but sometimes, you don’t even have to look too far to show kindness.

This past March, the Ecclesiastical District of Manila launched the 21-Day Kindness Challenge, which had been successfully launched in various districts outside the Philippines. These are some of the stories of those who took on the challenge.

On this particular day after my work, dumeretso sa dako para dumalo ng gawain, then bago umuwi ng bahay dumaan ako kay tatay para ibigay angdala kong pagkain galing sa office. Nakahiga nasya kanina then humarap ako sa kanya bigla syang bumangon at binati ako, kitang kita ko sa mga mata nyakung gaano sya kasaya, Humingi ako ng picture sa kanya, and for the first time we have a picture as remembrance…Ang sabi ko kay Tatay Eddie, “Masaya ako, kasi may napasaya ako sa araw na ito.”

This is Eddie who has a son named Loloy. I met him and his son in the area near Domingo Santiago, Sampaloc, Manila. They are from Bulacan but Eddie says life is hard there so he came here with his son. He doesn’t have a wife and even though they have relatives, but they live far from them.

His son, Loloy, collects junks and sells them to the junk shop so that they have something to eat.

On this particular day after work, I went straight to attend bible study. Then, before I went home I went to Eddie’s place to give him food, which I brought home from the office.

He was already lying down, but when he saw me he got up to greet me. I could see from his eyes how happy he was. I asked for a picture with him so we have something that would remind us of this moment. I said to him, “I am happy because this day I was able to bring happiness to someone.”

Jessa Mae Jose is from the local congregation of Sampaloc in Manila. Along with spreading kindness on the streets of Manila, she sings in the choir, a Children’s Worship Service Officer in the area of Altura Main and helps oversee an area Area as part of the KADIWA Organization (Organization of single members over 18)

So I was waiting for my research team at a meeting place near UE when suddenly this child approached me and asked for some spare change. Instead, giving him changed I offered him lunch in a cafeteria nearby.

As we conversed, he told me his name was Exequiel. I asked him why he was begging people for money and I found out that he only wanted to help his father who feeds him along with his 5 siblings. They can only afford rice as his “baon (lunch from home)” in school to be shared with his brothers and sisters. His mother recently left for Davao.

Before going our separate ways, I gave him some money and he said: “Yes, may pambili na kami ng bigas (we now have enough money to buy rice).” A small act of kindness for you might be huge for someone, so never stop being kind!

Princess Ronquillo is from the local congregation of Tondo, the most densely populated district in the city of Manila. She is a member of SCAN (Society of Communicators and Networkers) and a Teacher for the Children’s Worship Service of the Church Of Christ. In addition, she’s one of the District Officers for the Christian Brotherhood International (CBI), an organization for students.

A tricycle ride from our house in Guiguinto, Bulacan, to the main road costs 10 pesos for each person, but, I gave twice the regular fair. These drivers (some of them are very old) spend most of their time serving other people just so they can provide for their family. By the end of the trip, I handed one of the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s PASUGO(God’s Message) magazines as a thank you for the tricycle driver’s kindness to me during the trip.

It’s not about how much you give to people but it’s about how much you care and show kindness for them.

A little tip for their hard work might be a simple thing but every simple thing that is made out of pure love and kindness makes it special!

Reinier Roman Santos sings in the choir in the Church Of Christ’s local congregation in Tayuman, Philippines. He is the Christian Brotherhood International District Director. He commutes regularly and has been paying twice the regular fare on tricycle rides side 2013

At a very young age, I lost my grandparents on both sides of my family. Considering that I was such a grandpa’s girl, my heart remains close to the elderly. Seeing a grandma seated at the side of the street, under the heat of the sun in front of the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Santa Cruz, Metro Manila, I couldn’t help but approach her.

I talked to her, and she confided that her children were in the province and that she was just waiting there in front of the hospital to sell goods, the proceeds of which will go to her loved ones. I gave her a pack of food and, of course, gave her a copy of the God’s Message Magazine, as a gesture of goodwill and as a means of sharing my faith. Then I saw a smile on her face and as she thanked me, I thought, “Thank you, grandma. It’s about time for you to receive all the love you’ve given to your family”

As a choir member, Assistant Chairperson in the local congregation’s KADIWA (organization for single members 18 and above), and the President of the Children’s Worship Service in Tayuman, an area in northern Manila, Shaira A. Salangsang is often busy with the various activities in the Church Of Christ.

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Hopefully, these acts of kindness will prove that beyond the usual problems in life, there are people with big hearts always willing to extend a helping hand.

What’s your act of kindness today? #incgiving #21DayKindnessChallenge

Helping Get Rid of Rubbish on Australia Clean Up Day

Yellow and white rectangles were laid neatly on the ground, one row above the other. As odd as it seemed, this clearly wasn’t random rubbish strewn across the ground. Something was happening here. There was a plan. A closer look revealed that these were actually rubbish bags that had been carefully laid out. Considering this all happened on Clean Up Australia Day, it made perfect sense.

Every year on the first Sunday of March, Clean Up Australia Day is held throughout the entire country. It’s an effort that was started in 1989 after Ian Kiernan noticed heavy pollution and trash in the various waterways that he passed through during a yacht race. He was moved to action and as soon as he returned, aimed to clean up the waterways, starting at Sydney Harbor in his home country. Fast-forward almost 30 years later, with over 7,253 sites and over 587,000 volunteers nation-wide, the Clean Up Australia Day effort continues to inspire others to take action.

One such group are the volunteers of the INC Giving Project from the various Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) local congregations across Australia. They were the ones responsible for the yellow and white rubbish bags on the ground, which they later filled to capacity with as much rubbish they could find. The broad reach of the Church Of Christ, along with the versatility of the INC Giving Project, made these volunteers well suited for an effort like Clean Up Australia Day. This was in full display as men and women, young and old, came together to clean up Australia’s parks, waterways and public spaces.

“…gain a deeper understanding of what volunteering is truly rooted in.”

These sorts of efforts benefit communities in so many ways. The obvious benefit of course is the environmental impact. Beyond this though is the improvement of societal health, which we see any time multiple communities are united by one common goal. It gives many the opportunities to meet and interact with people from outside of their own neighborhoods and social circles, and ideally, gain a deeper understanding of what volunteering is truly rooted in.

This is the ultimate goal of the INC Giving Volunteers; to pass along the message of kindness for the community and care for the environment, and above all the message of God’s teachings- not only through words but through the actual work and labor that is put in to volunteering.

“…feel free to grab a bag and jump right in…”

So the next time you see yellow and white rubbish bags that are laid out neatly on the ground, don’t worry. No need to call a clean up crew, because chances are the crew is already there; and since you are already there staring at a neat row of bags, feel free to grab a bag and jump right in and join the INC Giving Volunteers on their latest effort to do good.

“…join the INC Giving Volunteers on their latest effort to do good.”

Ideas for Families

Find opportunities for your whole family to participate in. Here are some ideas on how your family can participate in the weekend of service. Invite another family to volunteer with you.

Walk around the neighborhood with a garbage bag and pick up trash on the side of the road.
Offer to rake leaves, pickup sticks, or mow the lawn of a neighbor.
Plant flowers for a neighbor or in a communal neighborhood area.
Start a community garden.
Collect and deliver supplies to neighbors who have just had a baby, undergone surgery, or experienced a house fire.
Volunteering can be as simple as making people smile. Have your child draw pictures or write notes to deliver to your neighbors.
Coordinate a collection of used books, clothing, canned food in your neighborhood and donate them to your local school and shelter.
Have your child sort through old toys they don’t play with anymore and donate them
Participate in local events, such as 5Ks, fun runs, or other events that donate proceeds to local charities helping those in need
Volunteer at a local animal shelter

Ideas for Individuals

Look early for opportunities you can volunteer for or organizations looking for volunteers the weekend of April 7 and 8. Make sure to invite a friend or two to volunteer with you.

Search for organizations in your neighborhood and email them to see how you can help.
Donate to a charity or organization that has impacted your life.
Volunteer your expertise and background to a local organization that needs it. For example – if you work in HR volunteer your resume reviewing skills to a shelter offering the service.
Reach out to organizations you’ve worked with in the past and volunteer your time.
Organize a drive for goods or services to donate a local shelter or organization.

Ideas for Your Local Congregation

Volunteers play a huge part in the services organizations are able to provide in your city. Find out how many volunteers are needed and depending on the size of volunteers, you may need to find several opportunities to give everyone a chance to participate.

Here are some ways your local congregation can participate in the weekend of service:

Contact City Officials to see how you can lead/sponsor a Community Clean Up
Find out what city events are happening in your city and if there is a need for volunteers
Spend quality time with residents of elderly community. Activities include
- Singing for A Cause
- Art of Giving Projects
- Gardening or other group volunteering with organizations that deliver food to seniors, running errands, visiting local seniors
Police/Fire Appreciation Days – Visit your local precinct/stations and bring recognition and treats for the services they provide your community
Coordinate a group volunteer opportunity with a local shelter, food banks, etc that is always in need of volunteers
Coordinate with a community center to sponsor “A Help Up” event for low income communities

How One Idea Impacted 200

Rhea Mae Cabardo, a small business owner and INC Giving volunteer from Omaha, Nebraska was sitting at her desk as usual when she felt a strong pull at her heart that she was supposed to do something for the kids at her sister’s school.

How did you get started?

Literally, that moment when I felt that tug, I contacted the school secretary and told her what I was inspired to do. I then drove over to Oriental Trading Company and spoke to the Marketing Manager. I sent them a follow-up email and within days they had sent me boxes to my house with more than 2000 items. I emailed Google and visited local supermarkets and informed them of what I was doing. I contacted the Universities in the area and all of those I had reached out to was more than willing to donate.

I have a small business marketing company and reached out to all the local small business owners and they were ready and willing to sponsor bags. After putting it on Facebook and Instagram, my friends from all over the world inquired and sent money to sponsor bags as well.

What was the reaction from those you contacted?

They were eager and did not hesitate to give what they could after speaking with them. It was so inspiring to see their hearts and love for children.

How did get in contact with the school?

My sister is the counselor and set up a time for me to talk to the school’s principal.

It snowballed into something amazing, in regards to the response from the community at large.

What was your biggest take away…and what would you say to someone thinking about doing something good for a local school?

My biggest take away is, don’t silence the small voice that’s telling you to be of service. Whether it’s to be of service to one person, 2 people or thousands. Sometimes the doubt is louder than that small voice telling you to do it that good thing. For a brief moment, the doubt kept creeping saying, “someone else will do it, who do you think you are, where are you going to get the money to do this.” But I just prayed and was reminded that if God is part of this, everything will fall into place.

So at the end of December, proudly wearing her INC Giving T-shirt, Rhea delivered about 200 bags for the students of Florence Elementary School. When interviewed about what inspired her, Rhea simply said, “that the community cares about them, they’re thought about and they’re love.”

Rhea’s efforts was featured on KMTV News 3, the Point Forward, a local online publication and the Omaha Public School Newsletter.

Rhea Mae Cabardo works is a small business owner based in Omaha, Nebraska. She often helps with the events of the INCGiving Project in her hometown. She is already making plans to do a similar event this year with another local school

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