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Dear Friend and Supporter,
Here are some
updates of the Springboard Foundation’s work.
Many thanks for your continued
support.
GOOD NEWS!!!
February - September 2005
Tuloy sa Don Bosco Rugby Development
February: Following on the heels of the financial support for the
Angeles Bahay Bata Foundation rugby team in Pampanga,
the Philippines, the Springboard Foundation, Alabang Eagles
and Sydney Schooners (Australia) have combined forces to
fund and implement a comprehensive rugby development
programme at the
Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation in Alabang, Metro Manila;
the programme currently has over one hundred boys and girls
enrolled and is being coordinated by Matt Cullen and Coach Ahlo of the Eagles team.
Golf Wack Wack day
THE FIRST SPRINGBOARD FOUNDATION AND OPERATION RAINBOW GOLF
TOURNAMENT
February: The Wack Wack Golf and Country Club was the venue for the
inaugural Springboard Charity Golf Tournament which took
place on February 11. Sixty-six players took part in the
modified peoria format tournament on the West Course. The
Men’s winner was Mr. Paul Tugade and Alexis Lewington took
the top spot in the Women’s division. Paul and Alexis were
also longest drive winners.
The nearest
to the pin competitions were won by Paul Cassidy and Rolly
Abella.
Lunch, prize
giving and a raffle draw took place in the Westside Grill
after the event.
The event
raised over P200,000 for Springboard and Operation
Rainbow.
Many thanks
to our event sponsors: Metro Drug, Sykes, The Financial
Times, Holcim, Standard Chartered, Shell, and Carepack and
to the following companies who generously provided raffle
prizes and giveaways for the event: Smart, Atlantis Resort
(Porta Galera), El Galleon Resort (Porta Galera), Le Soufflé, Diageo, Holcim, Energizer, Zen Asia and HSBC.
The
Springboard Foundation would also like to thank the staff
and management of The Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.
Congratulations to Roy Dallison and Kerrie O’Callaghan for
their magnificent efforts in organizing this very
successful event!!! The funds raised from this event will provide assistance
for Operation Rainbow (cleft-lip-palate operations) and a
new center for street-children in Pasay Park.
Springboard Foundation Soccer World Cup
February: The 6th
Children’s Soccer World Cup took place at Nomads Sports
Club, Merville Subdivision on Sunday, February 13th.
In the U14 Children’s World Cup
there were seven teams competing for the trophy:
Philippines, USA, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Ang Pilipinas and
Rest of the World. In an exciting final, Germany (FESTO)
defeated Brazil (HMR Group of Companies) 1-0 after
regular play. In the Plate Final, Germany (FESTO)
defeated The Philippines (HMR and Leightons) by 2-1.
Nine teams competed in the U-11
competition: France, Germany, Philippines, Japan, UK,
Australia and Rest of the World and Nippon. In another
exciting final, Japan defeated Australia (HMR) on
penalties. In the Plate Final, France (PHD)
defeated USA (HMR), 3-2.
Seven teams competed in the U-8
competition: France, Philippines, Monaco, UK, Rest of the
World and Nippon. The Japan defeated Monaco (PHD),
2-0 in the final. France (PHD) finished third,
defeating the UK (Henry Butcher) 8-0 in the
Plate Final.
There were 24 teams in total (300+ children) plus spectators who supported the event; thank
you to HMR Group of Companies, SMART Communications, Festo,
Henry Butcher, Pacific Hemisphere Development for providing
sponsorship for this tournament. The profits from the
tournament will go to The Springboard foundation, which
provide support and shelter for homeless children in Metro
Manila.
The British Ambassador, Mr. Peter
Beckingham was in attendance to present trophies and medals
to the winners!
Thank you for all your support!
Sydney Schooners
12 rugby-players from Sydney came to play rugby at Nomad’s
famous Manila 10’s and took time to see Baseco in Tondo. A
short Banka trip in Manila-bay took them to the shore of
Baseco.
About 80,000 people live on that small half-island. 60%
unemployment rate makes live a daily strife for survival
for many families there. The local school runs 3 shifts to
try and accommodate all school children, yet still many
children have no chance of attending school. Tiny huts made
from Nipa or cardboard are the home to many. Lack of
sanitation, no running water and lack of garbage collection
are battleground for disease. Yet in spite of the
circumstances the smiling faces of men women and children
greet us everywhere.
Hope Worldwide provides hope for many children and out of
school youth in the area. The drop-in and day-care center
is home to the Nutrition Program of Springboard and
provides healthy meals to the children as well as teaches
the mothers how to make the most of their resources. The
Sydney Schooners brought light and laughter to the
children.
It was a special visit that touched all of us. The Sydney
Schooners went on to visit the Ospital ng Maynila to see
the renovations that were done to the children’s wards
through Springboard and the Give a Live Foundation.
The Sydney Schooners who came to play Rugby at the Manila
10’s (and did really well winning the plate) proved to be
strong men with soft and caring hearts. They gave a
donation to Springboard that will fund rugby uniforms and
shoes for street-children who join the Rugby Program from
the Alabang Eagles at the Tuloy Foundation.
Rocky Road
March: The Springboard Foundation received a special award
for contributions to Philippine Charity through boxing at
the recent Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Boxing awards night in
the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Makati City. There to
receive the award was Annette Helbig, John and Helen Milne
and Matt Cullen. Special guests of honour included, World Boxing Champion:
Manny Pacquiao and Senator: Hon. Mar Roxas.
Olympic Spirit and Live Match II events
May 5th
and 6th, 2005
May: Olympic Icon -
Cathy Freeman - returned to Australia on May 9th
having had an outstanding visit to the Philippines. Cathy
visited the Springboard Foundation's Essential Nutrition
Programme in Baseco - which is run by Hope Worldwide – as
well as opened the Catherine Freeman Respiratory Ward at
the Dr. Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital in Manila. In addition
to these two visits, Cathy also held a London 2012 Olympic
Bid press conference/ TV interview on Friday as well as
attended the international schools track meet at the Brent
International School, Manila - Mamplasan campus.
The Springboard Foundation's two major
fundraising events during Cathy's visit - Olympic Spirit
and Live Match II - were hugely successful. The Olympic
Spirit event raised P700,000 (P250,000 in cash and P450,000
in pledges/donations) and the Live Match II event,
P2 Million in profit; this money will help the Springboard
Foundation improve the lives of needy Filipino women and
children. In total, the amount raised as clear profit for
charity is: P2.7 Million = $USD 50,000 or thereabouts.
LIVE MATCH II
The black-tie
affair, dubbed "The Live Match II," which was attended by
over 600 avid supporters. It featured a sit-down dinner
catered by Le Souffle, a live auction of sports
memorabilia, a rousing performance by Mr. PURE ENERGY, Gary
Valenciano, and a colourful appearance by the famous
Bellstar Dancers.
Celebrities
who attended the affair included three time Olympian and
Sydney 2000 gold medalist – Cathy Freeman, International
Olympic Committee representative, Francisco Elizalde as
well as prominent PBA basketball players. A professional
auctioneer prompted the live bidding for sports
memorabilia. Topping the money list was the mahogany framed
16" by 20" and Upper Deck-authenticated "St Andrew’s"
photograph signed by Tiger Woods, which went for P200,000+. A 1975 "Thrilla In Manila" poster was taken for
P195,000. In sum, the live auction raked in P1.2 Million.
In the fights themselves, World-ranked Dennis Laurente
settled for a technical draw with Arnel Porras after an
accidental clash of heads. The largest cheer of the
evening, however, was reserved for the amateur bout between
two local expatriates from the prestigious Nomads Sports
Club in Parañaque. Whilst it was a thrilling encounter
that went the regulation four rounds, the Welsh Wizard –
Shane Cosgrove – scored a unanimous decision over the
Raging-Bull Frog – Romain Barberis – in what was an
enthralling clash.
In the other bouts, Monico Laurente scored a victory over
Anthony Esmenida, whilst Sugar Ray Estrada was stopped in
his tracks by Yuri Noda. Fight promoters Lisa and Johnny Elorde assembled last Friday’s fight card for telecast on
"Solar Sports".
Springboard chairman John Milne, the Principal of Brent
International School in Pasig, said it "was far more
successful this year than last and was once again, a unique
opportunity to celebrate the Filipino’s achievements in the
sport."
Before leaving for Australia, Cathy Freeman wanted to thank
everyone for the warm welcome and support she received from
all in the Philippines. Cathy has also promised to do more
to help the Filipino children in the future as well as to
explore the Philippines in more depth on another occasion.
Annette Helbig formed Springboard almost three years ago to
finance charity projects with an emphasis on providing
needy children and their families with a variety of
programs and services to address basic needs. Springboard’s
projects are anchored on the four pillars of support,
namely, homes and orphanages, nutrition and livelihood,
medical care and equipment and education. Among
Springboard’s partners include the Kinderhlife Philippinen
in Leyte, the Give A Life Foundation in Manila, the Tuloy
Foundation in Alabang, Hope Worldwide in Baseco and Payatas,
the Dr. Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital, Fabella Maternity
Hospital, Tuloy sa Don Bosco, the Little Children’s Home,
Batang Pinangga Foundation in Cebu, the Sun and Moon Home
for Children and the Rehoboth Home for Children.
Since its establishment as a non-profit Filipino
independent charity organization, Springboard has raised
over P17 Million.
John Milne said the Foundation has no political agenda, is
transparent in its activities and finances and is governed
by seven trustees dedicated to improving the lives of
impoverished children through the development of long-term
projects.
DSM Nutritional Products
May 6th: The Springboard Foundation was pleased
to inaugurate the DSM Nutritional Products pedia cancer
ward at the Dr. Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital with
Olympic Icon – Cathy Freeman – in attendance. DSM
Nutritional Products donated P200,000 as part of the
Springboard Foundation’s 2004 Christmas Fundraiser. Thank
you!
Association of
Foundations
May: The
Springboard Foundation is proud to announce that was
accepted into the prestigious Association of Foundations at
its 33rd General Assembly on April 21-22, 2005 at the
Linden Suites in Pasig City, Manila, Philippines. Some 90
participants representing around 65 member foundations and
organizations joined the assembly.
AF is a vibrant community of respected
foundations shaping progress in their areas and fields of
work with their partner communities. In collaboration with
local, national and international institutions, the network
and its members pursue and promote programs that create a
just and equitable future to improve the quality of life in
the Philippines.
AF members
meet the highest professional and ethical standards by
continuously building their capabilities. They enjoy access
to sustained AF programs that respond to their needs and
encourage relevant innovation.
AF provides
a rich reservoir of up-to-date information on foundation
profiles and best practices, trends in development work,
and institution building opportunities for its members. AF
matches needs and resources in ways that benefit and
strengthen the not-for-profit community in the Philippines.
Jesus Loves the Little Children
May: Thanks
to a P1.6 Million pesos donation to the Springboard
Foundation by "friends" from Kelowna, Canada, the Jesus
Loves the Little Children Foundation in Pasig City have now
purchased the land where they reside. The official
handover ceremony with donors Judy and Paul Cassidy took
place on May 30th at the orphanage with Chito
and Rachel Sanchez – founders of Jesus Loves the Little
Children.
Aetas
The 2 room school for the Aeta community in Bilolo, Orion,
Bataan was finished in March 2005. Around 70 children will
be able to attend school there, the two teachers are eager
to start the lessons. Children, parents and the elders of
the community attended the opening ceremony together with
representatives from EVA Foundation and Jennifer Wallum,
founder of the EVA Foundation, National Commission for
Indigenous People representatives and Springboard
volunteers. It was a great an festive occasion, everyone
felt very special to be part of this event. The joy and
pride over this school could be seen in all the smiling
faces of the children and their parents. All children loved
the Toy-Jeepneys that they received from Springboard
Foundation. Everyone enjoyed the tribal dance show and
Jennifer, Kim and Annette had a great time doing the
chicken dance.
We are very pleased to have the first Springboard Aeta
School.
Tuloy pottery handover
June: The German Embassy confirmed it will donate P250K to
the Springboard Foundation to fund the purchase of pottery
making equipment and tools for the Tuloy Sa Don Bosco Orphanage in Alabang.
The pottery room is now fully functional as of May 12th
2005, with all materials, clay, glazes, tools, 4 pottery
wheels and a kiln to produce great art-work made of clay.
The official opening was a memorable occasion for all and
students are looking forward to learn the special skills.
Thank you to the German Embassy for the donation of the money
and to Jon Petty John who committed to train 3 students free
of charge.
Springboard joins hands with the Ayala Foundation – USA
June: In June, The Springboard Foundation’s application
to join the Ayala Foundation – USA, was approved by their board of
trustees.
Ayala Foundation USA (AF-USA) was established to serve as a bridge between Filipino communities in the
US and in the Philippines by:
- providing Filipinos based in the US with an effective
mechanism for philanthropic giving to support social
development initiatives in the Philippines, and
- providing local nonprofit organizations with access to an
alternative and non-traditional source of funds for
programs and projects.
AF-USA was registered in the
year 2000 with the US Internal Revenue Service as a
tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code. It was launched at the 2000
National Congress of the National Federation of Filipino
American Associations (NaFFAA) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Donations through AF-USA are deductible from income taxes
in the US. AF-USA offers the following programs and services:
- Adopt-A-Barangay Program
- Database on Donation Opportunities in the Philippines
- Lingkod Pinoy
Letter from AF - “We are pleased to tell you that the
Board has approved in principle your application
(Springboard Foundation Inc.) which means you may essentially go
full blast with your campaign for funds in the US.
You may already tell your contacts and potential donors that they can channel their donations
to your project or cause through AF-USA. Again thank you and more power.
Sincerely, The Ayala Foundation”.
Jose Reyes Visit
June: Representatives from HMR Group of Companies, the
Lighthouse Club and Springboard Foundation visited the Dr.
Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital in Manila on June 10th,
2005. HMR had kindly donated their services and supplies
to ensure the provision for a bathroom as part of the new
pedia cancer ward at the hospital. Thank you!
September: The Foreign Armed Forces Attaché Wives, Melanie of Give A Life
Foundation and Springboard Foundation visited the Dr. Jose
Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila on September 8th,
2005. They donated 30, 000 Pesos. Thank you!
Springboard received this letter from
Valerie Bailey, one of the member of The
Foreign Armed Forces Attaché Wives.
Today our group of six Foreign Armed
Forces Attache Wives visited the Ospital ng Maynila. We
were kindly hosted by Annie, Gina and Melanie, from
Give a Life Foundation. They showed us around the Pediatric wards, including the Respiratory ward, the
Admissions area and the Cancer Unit. We saw places which
have been renovated and re-equipped and those yet needing
repairs and repainting. The contrast between the two
showed a
remarkable difference.
The work which has been already done by
Springboard is fantastic and inspiring. We saw rooms
overflowing with babies, children and their parents,
sharing beds and cots, and rooms all ready for patients,
yet still empty, needing the funding for staff and
medicines. We were all moved to tears by both the
conditions we saw, and by the wonderful people who either
work or are treated there. We were all overwhelmed by the
amount of compassion, care and financial support
that is needed. I am a nurse in UK myself, and have never
had to be asked for money for medicines before, by a parent
lying next to her sick child in hospital.
We hope we can continue to help by our
fundraising in the future. One of our group, Sue, has
painted some beautiful water colours of local churches in
Manila which we hope to print as Greetings cards to sell to
our friends and colleagues. We wish you all at
Springboard great success with all your work, and thank you
for showing us around.
Operation Rainbow
September: The Springboard Foundation donated 100,000 Pesos
to Asiac-Operation Rainbow Philippines Inc.
Operation Rainbows offers free operation and medicines to
children who have cleft lip and/or palate. The work of
Operation Rainbow is wonderful. Every time that they have
activities of Operation rainbow they change the lives of
children by removing debilitating and deforming birth
defects. Last year Gina, Nadine and Annette were privileged
to witness the change from a shy boy who was scared to
show his face in public to a handsome young man who
couldn’t stop looking at himself with amazement in a
handheld mirror. This year 71 operations were successfully
done and Springboard was able to provide the funds for the
hotel stay of the doctors and nurses from Australia. Thank
you for helping the children here in the Philippines.
You’ve done a great job.
Protecting and empowering Out-of-School Children and Youth in Pasay City
September: The Community and Family Services International
requested to Springboard Foundation to support their
project in Park Avenue in Pasay City.
Gina Tuazon visited the foundation and she was impressed
for this project on how they make studies and research
about the situation in this area. The Park Avenue Project
focus on helping a select number of out of school children
and youth as well as their parents and barangay leaders to
seek to strengthen the social cohesion while at the same
time improving the environment for the children and youth.
The project impact of these are to strengthened social
cohesion, decrease in factionalism among community leaders,
reduction of youth gangs, decrease in neighborhood
conflicts, increase in shared activities and parents and
leaders to support basic rights of children and have
increased sensitivity to gender issues and concerns. The
Springboard foundation donated 250,000 Pesos to Community
and Family Services International to fund this project for
one year.
Donation of carpentry and plumbing tools, etc. to Angeles Bahay Bata Center
September: Nadine Osterman and Gina Tuazon went to Clark in
Angeles to donate the requested tools and materials to the
center. They were greeted by the boys of the center as well
as the director and staff. Gina and Nadine were impressed
with the facilities; which is very similar to the set-up to
the Tuloy Foundation. Father Rocky, the founder of Tuloy
Foundation, was one of the advisors when the center was
set-up. We could see that last year’s donation of medicines
and school-supplies were put to good use.
Alabang Eagles Rugby Club Inc.
September: The Springboard Foundation donated 71,600 for 40
Rugby uniforms for students of Tuloy Foundation. This was
in part funded by the Sydney Schooners and in part from
proceeds of the Live Match II.
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