Children from the indigenous communities in Pampanga enjoy a carousel ride at SM City Clark. Photographs courtesy of SM
LIFE

SM brings joy to beneficiaries of ‘Christmas in November’

TDT

For beneficiaries in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, Christmas came early as the Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. (SSFI), supported by SM, conducted its annual “Christmas in November” project in these three regions.

Now on its 26th year, the first leg of the annual “Christmas in November” activity, kicked off in SM City Clark on 7 November where children from indigenous communities in Pampanga were treated to a meal, followed by an early holiday shopping at the SM Store. The day ended with the children enjoying a carousel ride in SM City Clark.

Spearheaded by Mark Lapid, son of Senator Lito Lapid, and supported by Mrs. Nancy dela Rosa, Maricel Tulfo and Social Welfare Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay, the SSFI also provided social services via the Senate Assist caravan stationed at SM City Clark.

Beneficiaries from Davao happily show their finds at SM Store Lanang.
Love Marie Ongpauco, president of the Senate Spouses Foundation Inc., assists children from Kythe Foundation.

SSFI president Love Marie Escudero, wife of Senate president Francis Escudero, led the Cebu delegation on 17 November assisted by Mrs. Kathryna Pimentel, Mrs. Nancy dela Rosa and Ms. Maricel Tulfo.

The Cebu delegation hosted children beneficiaries afflicted with cancer and other chronic diseases under the care of the Kythe Foundation. These beneficiaries were treated to an early Christmas shopping at the SM Store and had an opportunity to meet mascots at the SM Seaside Mall in Cebu. In parallel, the SSFI extended medical assistance and social services through the Senate Assist caravan.

The third and final leg of the “Christmas in November” project for the year was held in SM Lanang Davao on 27 November, with Mrs. Nancy dela Rosa leading the delegation.

The children of Kythe Foundation pose in front of the SM Store entrance in SM Seaside Cebu.
Senate Spouses lead Senate Assist at SM Seaside Cebu.

Beneficiaries from the TATAG IP Students Foundation enjoyed their lunch with the SSFI after shopping at the SM Store. There was also a whole-day Senate Assist helpdesk at the SMX in SM Lanang.

SM has been a staunch supporter of the SSFI’s “Christmas in November” for more than two decades. SM has always believed in the power of community and the importance of supporting meaningful initiatives that make a difference in the lives of individuals and families.