“It is when we see how we can make our unique contributions and act on it, no matter how seemingly insignificant amid the challenges and suffering, that we truly help make a positive difference.

The nationwide Million Volunteer Run of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is taking place today. My local chapter has been busily preparing for this for months as perhaps your local Red Cross chapter has been.

At 5:30 a.m., we are set to gather at the PRC Misamis Oriental compound where the run will begin and end after a five-kilometer route. I have eagerly looked forward to this event, no doubt encouraged by our PRC chairman Sen. Richard Gordon’s enthusiasm about this run-for-a-cause event and fervor to help save lives in our own little way. It is the fifth year and the previous four were invaluable in helping the PRC raise much needed funds to continue with its humanitarian programs.

A brief PRC video clip shares that this Million Volunteer fundraiser encourages everyone to run for typhoon victims, the homeless, dialysis patients, flood victims and the most vulnerable. Specifically, the proceeds of this year’s fun run are to gather funds to procure disaster response equipment.

I registered my family for this Million Volunteer Run last 22 November and our jerseys and race bibs have been ready since early this week. It will be a good run, or walk for me, no matter what.

There is another fundraiser set to happen today in my neck of the woods. Inspired by a local group called “Namaste,” Cagayan de Oro-based retailer Bettina has come up with a dinner show dubbed “A Christmas Fashion Concert for a Cause” that aims to gather funds to help those recently affected by earthquakes here in Mindanao.

Thus far, the Namaste group in close coordination with the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City and Balay Mindanaw brings the jerry cans to Cotabato. I am told that Balay Mindanaw is one of the recipients of SkyHydrant, which is from Aid Australia. SkyHydrant is a filtration unit that makes water from firetrucks potable. Together with these partners, Namaste has distributed jerry cans, clothes, slippers and water bottles to affected households. The firetrucks with the potable water travel with them during the much-anticipated distribution.

As a Rotarian, I have had many opportunities to support the varied projects aimed at helping, supporting or alleviating the plight of particular individuals and groups in our local community.

From grassroots livelihood programs to medical missions, it is deeply encouraging to see many going out of their way and taking that extra step to give back when and where they can.

It is when we see how we can make our unique contributions and act on it, no matter how seemingly insignificant amid the challenges and suffering, that we truly help make a positive difference. Whatever you are able to do with a joyful heart is enough.

Today, for my family and that of many others, it is a volunteer run and a concert.