A Week of Gift Giving: NetSuite Employees in the Philippines Give Back to Local Youth

Written by Rhoda Navarro, Program Manager, Corporate Citizenship at NetSuite.org

The holiday madness may be over, but a lot of people are still reeling from the love and happiness brought by the year that was. This is especially true for NetSuite employees in the Philippines and the charity partners who they had the opportunity to help.

At NetSuite in the Philippines, we have once again celebrated the spirit of the season with our holiday giving program. Through the efforts of the NetSuite Philippines’ SuiteImpact Team, which is NetSuite’s hands-on volunteerism program, and the Social Committee, NetSuite employees were able to collaborate with local charities Virlanie Foundation, Philippine Christian Foundation and the C.R.I.B.S. Foundation to share the joy of the season with local children. 

SuiteEmbrace: Adopt-a-Child Day

On December 11, a total of 78 NetSuite volunteers took some time off of work to participate in the 8th Adopt-a-Child Gift-Giving Program. A total of 150 children from Virlanie Foundation and Philippine Christian Foundation joined the event and were "adopted" by NetSuite employees. All of the children have corresponding sponsors, who granted their wishes for Christmas, such as clothes, toys, school supplies, groceries, and more.

The event coincided with the Kiddie Christmas Party, which was also attended by children of NetSuite employees participating in the event. Apart from the gift-giving, various songs and dances were performed during the program. Food stalls and booths for face painting and balloon-making helped keep everyone full and happy.

Rainy Saturday at C.R.I.B.S. Foundation

Another highlight last month was the holiday offsite celebration at C.R.I.B.S. Foundation, a nonprofit which operates an orphanage, as well as a safe space for girls who have suffered sexual abuse, held on December 19. Despite the heavy rains, a good number of NetSuite Philippine employees still made it to the event to spend time with the babies and teenage girls who live at the foundation.

Employees, through the leadership of the Social Committee, distributed medicines, diapers, milk and hygiene essentials. The items were purchased in advance using the proceeds from a NetSuite Movie-for-a-Cause fundraiser held in November.

Indeed, there is no better feeling than being able to share your blessings with other people, especially the less privileged. The annual giving activities of NetSuite Philippines have not only promoted camaraderie among its employees, but have also allowed them to extend love and happiness beyond themselves.

I am proud that NetSuite employees continue to take part in our regular corporate good and social responsibility activities and events. A big thank you to all of the participants that volunteered this year, and may we continue to give back to our local community in 2016!