Aspen reaches out to underprivileged kids in celebration of Mandela Day

MANILA, Philippines - Aspen Philippines, the local subsidiary of Africa’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer Aspen Pharmacare, celebrated Nelson Mandela International Day last July 18 by reaching out to beneficiaries of the House of Refuge Foundation (HORF).

A non-profit Christian organization, HORF provides the basic needs of children from Metro Manila who have been physically and sexually abused; abandoned, neglected, and orphaned; or in need of special protection.

The foundation’s services and programs include long-term housing and residential care, foster care, adoption services, education and training, spiritual formation, and primary education.

“As a socially responsible company, we are privileged to support Mandela Day by helping uplift the lives of underprivileged and at-risk Filipino children,” said Aspen Philippines president and CEO Ace Itchon.

Twenty employees of Aspen Philippines spent a day of fun and sharing with 37 HORF beneficiaries in Project 8, Quezon City. The kids played, sang and danced with the Aspen Philippines employees.

Aside from loot bags filled with toys and goodies, the kids also received school bags with supplies, food, slippers, books, toys, toothbrush, soap, towels, toothpaste, vitamins, kitchen appliances, and cash donated by the Aspen Philippines employees.

“We laud Aspen Philippines for supporting Mandela Day by lending a helping hand to less fortunate and marginalized Filipino children. May Nelson Mandela’s lifelong commitment to truth, justice and peace inspire more people to work together in making our world a better place,” said South African Ambassador Agnes Nyamande-Pitso.

“On behalf of our beneficiaries, we wish to thank Aspen Philippines for its generosity and compassion. We share your company’s commitment in uplifting the lives of underprivileged Filipino children,” said HORF representative Glady Bunaw.