GK USA partners with Synchrony to help Typhoon Rai/Odette victims
WHEN Typhoon Rai ravaged the Philippines late last year, it wasn’t just the Filipinos living in the affected areas who felt its wrath. The catastrophe caught the attention of global Pinoys, and roused them to action. Gawad Kalinga (GK) USA was one of the organizations that served as forces of light amidst the gloom, drawing strength from other groups who shared its goal: To be in solidarity with those who lost loved ones and livelihoods, and help them get back on their feet.
Among GK USA’s allies in gifting the typhoon victims with hope is Synchrony, a financial services company based in North America. Synchrony presented GK USA with a grant valued at $100,000. Having witnessed how GK’s work on-ground has touched lives and opened many doors for Filipinos, Synchrony is one of many staunch supporters of GK. Officers from Synchrony offices in the US and the Philippines have even participated in Gawad Kalinga activities.
Apart from that, GK USA created a fundraising page that was made available to Synchrony employees. Setting a funding target of $25,000, GK USA was hoping for an outpouring of love, but they were overwhelmed with wave upon wave of generosity from the Synchrony employees. By the end of the fundraising period, GK USA garnered more than half of its target at $61,029 in donations.
“This is a true testament of the bayanihan spirit of our Synchrony family,” shares Carlos Capucion, Synchrony’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager. “The help and support we have received was truly overwhelming and even though we are thousands of miles apart, we can sincerely feel the love and care for the Filipinos who have been impacted by the typhoon. It’s true that by joining hands, we can make a difference, and by working together, we can change lives!”
Edgar Calandria, one of the recipients of a home shares his deep gratitude, “Our old house was located alongside a river which would overflow when it rained, bringing a foul smell that made my children sick. Our new home is such a big help to my family. With Synchrony and Gawad Kalinga, I saw and experienced true caring, sharing, and giving among everyone in the village.”
Healing from the physical damages and the trauma brought about by Typhoon Rai may not happen overnight, but having people moving in sync to help pick up the pieces eases the process. On behalf of its beneficiaries, GK USA expresses its gratitude to Synchrony and its employees for exemplifying bayanihan at a time when it is needed the most. n
