SM plays ‘Santa’ to 950 Bulakenyos
EMPLOYEES from SM Malls in Marilao, San Jose Del Monte, Pulilan, and Baliwag took over the role of “Santa Claus” to spread hope and good cheer for about 950 underprivileged individuals, groups, and communities in Bulacan through its “Christmas Kalinga Cheers.”
A joint project of SM Foundation Inc. and SM Supermalls, the Christmas Kalinga Cheers aims “to give love and happiness” to communities and less fortunate families in the province.
For this year, SM City Marilao decided to up the ante by making Christmas extra special to senior citizens and marginalized communities living in the coastal areas, river banks, and creeks.
A total of 300 “Christmas Kalinga” packs were distributed by the mall. The recipients, who were pre-identified by the LGU (local government unit) and MSWD (Municipal Social Welfare and Development), came from the poorest and displaced families living in slum areas of Lambakin, Tabing Ilog, Saog, Lias, and Ibayo.
Volunteers from SM City San Jose Del Monte gave love and heartwarming surprises to 300 families from Purok 4 Sitio San Isidro, Bgy. Tungkong Mangga San Jose Del Monte.
The small community was instantly filled with joy as Christmas Kalinga packs were given. Most of the recipients are informal settlers making a living out of construction, waste collection, and tricycle driving.
Reaching out to the less affluent families in Bgy. Pagala, SM City Baliwag distributed at least 100 Christmas Kalinga packs. An additional 100 Christmas Kalinga packs were also given to the local transport group in Baliwag.
A total of 150 Christmas Kalinga packs were likewise distributed by SM Center Pulilan to families living in Bgys. Sto. Cristo, Longos, and Cutcot. Local transport groups likewise receive Christmas Kalinga packs from SM.
“Everybody has a holiday season tradition. The Christmas Kalinga Cheers is one of SM’s holiday traditions of giving hope and reaching out to those in need. We wanted to bring joy to the less privileged and put a smile on their faces,” shares SM City Marilao Mall Manager Emmanuel Gatmaitan.
Over 23,327 Christmas Kalinga packs are being distributed across the country.
