Celebrating the holiday season differently, Arden Botanical Estate launches Beary Merry Christmas, a donation drive of bears for the little angels in the orphanages of Pasig, Manila, and Batangas. The initiative started in October 2021, encouraging employees and their friends to purchase customized bears and donate them. The bears served as main decorations for the Christmas Tree, and the kids received them eventually, days before Christmas.

Tahanan ng Pagmamahal Children’s Home, Inc.

Gathering more than 80 bears, the group sent the first batch to the Tahanan ng Pagmamahal Children’s Home, Inc. in Pasig. As a result, twenty-five kids received them, wearing big smiles on their faces.

What started as a donation drive for bears surprisingly expanded to additional gifts provided by brands, such as McDonald’s, Culture Blends, and GetGo by Cebu Pacific. The staff of the orphanage houses received merchandise giveaways such as fans and pens. Moreover, thanks to the cash donations, we bought and packed groceries for the orphanages’ daily essentials, such as kid’s diapers and toiletries.

A Home for the Angels, Crisis Home For Abandoned Babies Foundation Inc.

On December 20, the employees personally delivered the 2nd batch of gifts to A Home for the Angels in Manila. Then the group, headed by Ms. Rowena Espiritu, Vice President for the Sales and Marketing Division, met the adorable little ones at the orphanage. Even while following social distancing protocols, the kids cannot hide their enthusiasm and excitement to receive their Christmas gifts.

Rev. Fr. Vincenzo Ida Children’s Home

The next and final stop for the 3rd batch of bears was outside the borders of the metro, reaching the province of Batangas. Aside from the bears, merchandise, and groceries, the group organized a short Beary Merry Christmas Party program. The generous family and friends of the ABE leaders sent food items shared by the staff and the children. There were also dance performances from the employees to entertain the kids, and it was thrilling to see them meet their new friend, “Boyet.”

Yearly, the business unit creates a different kind of Christmas celebration. Previously, the blood donation drive, and supporting small local businesses, were some of the efforts of the group. You can read more about them here.

Meanwhile, if you are interested in joining the cause, you can visit our initiative at Arden Care in Action. Like us on Facebook, Arden Care In Action, to know more about us.