Few weeks back, I've posted my interest on getting a 2013 planner that best suits my personality and age group. Not that I feel too old right now, it's just that the hype of getting something that's too girly or exaggeratedly expensive (plus sugar and calorie overload) took slow on me this year. Though I don't really mind if it's given to me as a gift. Choosy pa ba? Hehe! But to be precise, I didn't exert much effort just to get something that's commonly acquired by most people today.
When I received an invite about a planner launch, it felt like a blessing in disguise as I really want to see something unique, something different and something I haven't seen from anyone I knew. I did a quick research and everything fell into place in just a snap. I thought, this is what I NEED and what I WANT. Isn't it surprising when something fell into the same category?
As soon as I stepped in at the venue, I was warmly welcomed by a group of people who are volunteers for Lifeline Foundation. Truth be told, I have a high regard to people who volunteer for the welfare of many. It's a calling; it's done because not only you have a pure heart to help people for no exchange at all but also because you have this innate belief that one move can change lives, tremendously. It's hard to believe that, especially with this much of exposure on countless negative things going around in and out the country. Though I know it is still possible, I find myself in doubt at times.
That night, I had my fair share of hope.
The experience of getting to meet these inspiring people is one of a kind. It wasn't just the usual product launch or marketing event. I had the chance to see and hold an old planner (photo below), owned by a student who literally took time to doodle and convey whatever emotions he had on a certain day. The planner looked more like his own story book. His inputs were very creative. I suppose his parents must be so proud of him for taking his talent up to the next level. He volunteered to design this coming year's planner together with a group of master crafters, who some of them were even based in a different continent. Magnifico!
The event also opened a brief history on how Lifeline Foundation started. It is a non-stock, non-profit organization made up of doctors, nurses, dentists, educators, musicians, business people, counselors graphic artists, and writers whose mission is to relieve the oppressed and empower the victim-minded. They provided satellite schools, medical missions, and feeding programs.
They first started with a suicide prevention hotline in 2003. In the same year, they started giving free medical assistance to several Mangyan tribes in Mindoro. Each month, they also sponsor a person who cannot be productive because of medical liability. Twice a year, they host outreach programs that give free medical and dental assistance to several Mangyan tribes. They also encourage the public to participate by donating medicines, old clothes, rice or by volunteering to be a part of the trip.
