‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has’– Margaret Mead
This is the very heart and soul of Sessional Wave. What is Sessional Wave you ask? Nope, it’s not a radio station or recording studio. And no, it’s also not a surf company.
It’s a non-profit non-government organization (NGO) of fun, dynamic, persons from different walks of life that came together to raise community awareness within Cebu through interactive charity events.
For their first wave of activities, they will be having a “Shoe Day” on December 13 and 14, 2014, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Manggahan Bar and Grill at 30 Wilson Street, Apas Lahug, Cebu City.
The Shoe Day is a shoe-painting fund raising event to help the Chef Marc Group of Charity Inc.
The activity consists of participants painting a pair of Bobs shoes from Sketchers that will be donated to barangays in Toledo, along with socks and soap for the kids.
The General registration is P200, student promo (with student ID) is P150 and a Group of 5 Promo (valid for students only) is P700.
The distribution of donations will happen on December 21, 2014, where the kids will also be educated about the importance of cleaning their feet.
Shoes for kids in need
The Chef Marc Group of Charity Inc. has been donating Bobs Sketchers shoes to kids from different barangays all over the Philippines.
Here in Cebu, they distributed 250 pairs of shoes and had a feeding program for the grade school kids of Our Lady Lindogon Foundation in Marian hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga last September.
October was a busy month for their organization, as they gave 250 pairs to the elementary students of Tulang Diyot Intergated School in Camotes Island, 300 pairs to Lut-od Elementary School in Pinamungajan, 60 pairs of shoes with other gifts to the kids of Asilo De Milagrosa Orphanage in Cebu City, and more than a hundred pairs to the fire victims of Bario Luz Elementary School.
In her shoes
More than just a cool event, Shoe Day is led by an even cooler lady who finds her work with the organization both a fulfilling and humbling experience. I got the chance to chat up with Nicole Ring about their plans here in Cebu:
A’len: What is your role or position in this event? What is your personal take or sentiments about your organization?
Nicole: My role in this event is Project Chair. I oversee everything including the distribution happening on December 21. As for the organization, I just see myself as a person willing to help. I don’t consider myself head or anything because we always take votes as to what happens. All I can say as a personal statement for everyone is that we have to keep in mind that, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
A: Why is it called Sessional Waves?
N: Because each event for a cause is considered a wave. We took it from the phrase “This would be the first wave”, and added the word sessional to it because it’s a group gathering, a session
A: How did it start or begin? And how do you keep your organization going?
N: It started because a friend and I love joining charity events! However, I always found that the ones we attended were boring and somehow the volunteer did only one thing and usually the community is not that involved. So, what I want to do is show the community that even if they are not in the field doing the actual legwork, their time and effort to attend our events really pay off. That’s why I aim to make a follow up invite of the people who attended the event to come to a screening, so we can show them videos and pictures as to where their money went. That way they would be inspired and encouraged, and it could also spark more ideas as to other ways we could help.
A: May I ask why these barangays? and why shoes?
N: Chef Marc and his team take all credit for the donations to the past barangays and the idea of shoes. Now, we created this event to help raise funds so that they may continue what they do as well as involve the community, and create noise about what’s happening.
N: What are your other plans and pursuits after shoe day?
A: One big ambition I have is to raise funds from all events and hopefully install trash bins around our city. Because I believe that when creating and building community awareness, this means developing my home too! It’s a long shot but it is worth a try There are a few other organizations we do hope to partner with, like Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation and Rise Above Foundation. Other projects would be whatever comes our way, for example, my religion teacher in school wants me to help raise funds for a public children center to improve their facilities. Another one would be to help a SPED school in Mandaue to improve their facilities too. I want to aim more towards helping children, especially with regards to education.
A: That is truly inspiring Nic! Any other words to share?
N: On the side note, I know there are a lot of people who have ideas for small charity events or ways to help but they just don’t know how or where to start, so I hope through Sessional Waves, we can help them achieve that. During events, we will have a suggestion box where people could share ideas. I hope to do at least one event per month! I believe Sessional Waves is a way where people could volunteer and help out. They don’t have to be a member or anything, they see an event we are doing and they are free to join the event. It’s just really all about initiative!
Ride the Sessional Wave!
I hope Nicole inspired and instilled the spirit of volunteerism within you dear readers.
Ride the waves of generosity this Christmas and join Sessional Waves in their Shoe Day this weekend at Manggahan, with special performances by Purple Kush and Kat + Jan, co-presented by Push Service and Promotions, BOBS from Sketchers, Soles 4 Souls, and World Mission. For more updates, Like their Facebook page at Sessional WAVE./ Contributed by Anna Helen “A’len” Zeta Yap