Jolina supports Children's Hour

Jolina Magdangal has agreed once again to be the ambassador of goodwill of Children’s Hour, a fundraising organization which supports projects for poor and disadvantaged children.

Jolina has been involved in foundations and endeavors promoting the welfare of Filipino children and youth. When Children’s Hour started in 1999, Jolina was the organization’s first celebrity endorser.

When she was approached recently to endorse Children’s Hour anew, Jolina did not hesitate and readily gave her nod. She teams up with Suzi Abrera, her fellow host on GMA 7’s daily morning program, Unang Hirit. Suzi, who acts as co-ambassador, has also taken up children’s issues and concerns as her personal advocacy.

During her birthday last month, Jolina opted to give cheer to less fortunate and sick children when she hosted a party for them.

Other celebrities have helped Children’s Hour. Richard Merk donated P100 for every sold copy of his Merk Christmas Album, a compilation of well-loved Yuletide tunes.

Children’s Hour taps individuals, employees and corporations to donate at least one hour of their earnings for projects that improve the welfare of disadvantaged Filipino children.

“The power of an hour can change children’s lives. That is what we believe in,” says Teresita Villacorta, executive director of Children’s Hour. “One hour of earnings a year is all that we ask for to be able to provide every child in the Philippines a bright, happy, healthy, safe and fulfilling future.”

Children’s Hour taps companies through the latter’s human resource departments and solicits one hour of every employee’s salary in a year. The campaign was inspired by Children’s Promise in the UK back in 2000, which was supported by then Prime Minister Tony Blair. The US later launched the International Youth Foundation, where businessman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala was a board member.

Zobel created Children’s Hour as a formal organization in 1999. A steering committee of leading businessmen and socially committed individuals has been formed. The team led the global fundraising campaign to channel funds to meaningful and sustainable programs for children.

Four months after it started, Children’s Hour was able to raise P30-M, according to Villacorta. “That’s why we decided to extend the fundraising endeavor and continue to support more projects,” she offers “We have seen the power of how one hour can help brighten up a child’s life.”

Over the years, Children’s Hour has also initiated various fundraising schemes and creative tie-ups. Donations can be made through non-traditional modes like bills of payment, credit cards, G-cash, converting reward points or even wallpaper downloads.

This month, the country’s leading lensmen are doing their share to help underprivileged children. Be a Hero, Get Shot: Portrait by the Masters is a photo session by top photographers for donors who gave a significant amount of contribution to Children’s Hour.

The 10 lensmen donating their services for free are Jun de Leon, Wyg Tysmans, Raymund Isaac, Mandy Navasero, Nap Jamir, Boldy Tapales, Charlie Altomonte, Remy Bautista, John and Kathy Chua. Cannon, meanwhile, is a sponsor for the prints.

Today, noted chef Billy King will whip up his gourmet cuisine and host a benefit lunch at the Ayala Museum Lobby to support Children’s Hour. All proceeds of the P3,000-per-plate lunch will fund programs for disadvantaged children.

“We are committed to building Children’s Hour in close collaboration with our donors, partner organizations and supporters from all sectors,” says Villacorta. “Together, we will strive to bring lasting change to the lives of more children every year. We want to continue making a tremendous impact and creating a world of difference for children.”

Donations to Children’s Hour can be sent to 5/F Dominion Building 833 Arnaiz Ave., Legaspi Village, Makati City or through BPI savings account 2591-0024-84.