For over 20 years since its inception, Robinsons Malls’ The Gift of Change (TGOC) has consistently supported underserved communities through its various initiatives focused on health, wellness, and community development. The annual coin bank donation campaign, which encourages mall shoppers to donate loose change, spearheads several projects including The Gift of Sight, Relief Operations, Pailaw sa Barangay, Binyagang Bayan, Libreng Bakuna (Free Vaccination), Bike for Change, and The Gift of heART.
As the country battled the onslaught of multiple shocks and crises in 2020, The Gift of Change implemented a coordinated response and extended immediate assistance to provide for basic needs. TGOC worked in solidarity with local government units and agencies to reach out to the most vulnerable and hardest-hit communities.
The year opened with the unexpected eruption of the Taal Volcano in Batangas. The volcanic unrest affected Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and some parts of Central Luzon and Ilocos Region, resulting in the suspension of work, classes, and air travel in these areas.
For thousands of affected and displaced Filipinos, The Gift of Change immediately provided aid and assistance on the ground. Over 900 families received food items, potable drinking water, hygiene supplies, clothes, and other essentials.
In partnership with Robinsons Malls, TGOC likewise mobilized relief operations for victims of Typhoon Ulysses, which battered Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Employee-volunteers ensured immediate delivery and distribution of thousands of blankets and relief packs containing basic food items, such as rice, canned goods, and instant noodles to the cities of Santiago, Tuguegarao, and Malolos. Despite extreme weather conditions, Robinsons Malls kept its doors open for stranded customers and nearby residents seeking shelter from the storm. On top of this, it offered food, charging stations, WiFi access, and command center services for reporting cases of missing persons or families in need of rescue.
Compounding the impact of natural disasters, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to strain the country’s health, social, and economic systems. Nationwide lockdowns, movement restrictions, and business disruptions have taken a heavy toll on the daily lives of the poor and marginalized. As such, the Gift of Change worked hand-in-hand with the public sector to augment the national and local governments’ comprehensive efforts to deliver immediate assistance, while ensuring health and safety.
In aid of the country’s healthcare workers and other frontline personnel, TGOC donated materials used in making personal protective equipment (PPE) to the SOCSARGEN Peace Network Sewers Association. The PPE sets were distributed for free to health workers in resource-challenged areas, and provided inspiration for community members to engage in PPE production as a source of livelihood.
The pandemic also forced a change in the delivery of education as face-to-face classes remain suspended. To facilitate quality distance learning, The Gift of Change turned over 5 units of printer and 80 units of ink to Ilaya Barangka Integrated School in Mandaluyong City, and delivered 2 units of printer, 16 units of ink refill, and 50 reams of bond paper to Sagad Elementary School in Pasig City. The donated equipment and materials were used in the reproduction of learning materials for the benefit of over 4,000 teachers and students.
To close the year, The Gift of Change partnered with the local government of Manila to spread the Christmas spirit and give hope to displaced jeepney drivers and operators. Fifty (50) special Noche Buena packages were distributed to chosen beneficiaries to make their family celebrations joyful and memorable.