Christmas is the season of giving. It is a time when we share our blessings with those we love and value the most. It’s also the time of year when many of us try to make a difference in the lives of others. This year, Araneta City is doing its part to make the Holidays merrier through various programs that aim to uplift lives in time for this most special season.
The City of Firsts together with the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) announced during Araneta City’s giant Christmas tree lighting event last October 28 that they are giving children from five groups and organizations – Bahay Kalinga, Father’s House, St. Martin de Porres Center, Inc., GK Munting Pamayanan PWD Community in Project 4 Quezon City, and the Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. – a special experience for a Christmas celebration like no other.
Helen Valenzuela, JAAF’s Outreach Program Coordinator, said the kids will be treated to an exciting fun-filled day at two classic Christmas attractions that will make an exciting comeback in Araneta City. They will be given free unlimited rides at the modern Fiesta Carnival theme park, and will have the best view of the returning Christmas on Display show – a well-loved holiday tradition that features animatronic puppets that portray classic Christmas tales – in time for the National Children’s Month celebration.
“This is our simple way of giving [them] a happy and memorable holiday celebration like no other. We look forward to seeing the kids very soon and we hope that [they’ll] have a wonderful time here at the City of Firsts,” Valenzuela said.
Aside from this, Araneta City and JAAF also reactivated on October its Operation R.E.A.C.H. (Relief Efforts of Araneta City-zens to Help) donation drive, this time to provide for communities affected by Typhoon Paeng. Donation boxes were placed at Gateway Mall and Tower, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza to gather donations such as bottled water, canned goods, rice, mats and blankets, face masks, and alcohol and hygiene needs.
“Many of our fellow Filipinos were devastated by the recent typhoon and we know that by working together and helping each other out, we can at least alleviate the difficulty of the victims,” Diane Romero, JAAF Executive Director, said.
Araneta City and JAAF will host the chosen children and will turn over donations this November.
“Christmas is a time for sharing and giving. Many of our countrymen are now faced with the prospect of celebrating the Holidays under difficult circumstances. This is our way of helping them feel the light of Christmas even during the harshest times,” Marjorie Go, Araneta City’s AVP for Marketing, said.
