Goodness for Kids kicks off new Rotary year!
By PP Ophel Bello, Rotary Club of Cainta and PDG Tonipi Paruñgao, Rotary Club of Marikina North
Rotary International District 3800 marked the beginning of RY 2025-2026 with the inspiring “Goodness for Kids” project, a dynamic two-day series not only dedicated to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), but also in observance of Maternal and Child Health Month in the Rotary calendar.
More than 500 Rotarians from all over the district joined District Governor Gina Sanchez on July 1 and 2, 2025 in five (5) separate locations to do good for almost a thousand beneficiaries consisting of indigent, disabled, abandoned, orphaned, deprived, indigenous, differently-abled, or underprivileged special children.
To begin with, 150 Rotarians from the CAMANAVA Rotary clubs converged at the Valenzuela School of Mathematics and Science in the early morning of July 1 to turn over 12 wheelchairs to children with disabilities, while 300 SPED students received lunch boxes, tumblers, dental supplies, and ecobags containing food items. At the same time, and in partnership with a tricycle drivers’ organization, an orientation was conducted on how to properly assist PWDs availing of public transportation.
More than 500 Rotarians from all over the district joined District Governor Gina Sanchez on July 1 and 2, 2025 in five (5) separate locations to do good for almost a thousand beneficiaries consisting of indigent, disabled, abandoned, orphaned, deprived, indigenous, differently-abled, or underprivileged special children. To begin with, 150 Rotarians from the CAMANAVA Rotary clubs converged at the Valenzuela School of Mathematics and Science in the early morning of July 1 to turn over 12 wheelchairs to children with disabilities, while 300 SPED students received lunch boxes, tumblers, dental supplies, and ecobags containing food items.
At the same time, and in partnership with a tricycle drivers’ organization, an orientation was conducted on how to properly assist PWDs availing of public transportation.
The following day, or on July 2, 2025, 150 Rotarians from Rizal clubs were up early at the Libis Elementary School covered court in San Jose, Antipolo to join 214 Dumagat tribe children in planting trees, enjoy story-telling acctivites, undergo medical check-ups (as well as dental care and ear checks), avail of free haircuts, and receive vitamins, dengue kits, and food items. And finally, in the afternoon of the second day, and in partnership with PCCI-Marikina, 130 Rotarians from Marikina, San Mateo, and Rodriguez trooped to Cottolengo Filipino in Rodriguez town to entertain and show kindness to 35 abandoned, differently-abled, and orphaned children, as well as turn over medical, hygiene, and cleaning supplies (face masks, alcohol, and diapers), various food items (sacks f rice and canned goods), and other essential daily items to them. A cash donation was also given to the institution.
Spearheaded by District Governor Gina Sanchez, this initiative resonates strongly with Rotary International’s message for the year, “Unite for Good” — emphasizing unity in service and community impact. The Inclusivity of the district was showcased by partnering with various groups doing goodness for kids, in the form of meaningful outreach for children, especially athose with special needs or underprivileged backgrounds. This series of goodwill activities done in the first two days in the new Rotary Year in five major geographical areas of the district reflects the strong commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all children, regardless of background or ability, are given opportunities to thrive. The focus on DEI ensures that Rotary’s service extends equitably to diverse communities, empowering youth and setting an example for collective action.
District Governor Gina Sanchez highlighted that “Goodness for Kids” not only serves as a powerful kickoff to a year of service but also builds upon Rotary’s strategic pillars of innovation, continuity, and partnership. She expressed optimism that these activities would inspire Rotary clubs and partners to sustain their engagement and expand impact as the year unfolds. Integrating DEI principles was vital in making the project truly representative and impactful, emphasizing collaboration among various Rotary clubs and local communities.
The launch of “Goodness for Kids” aligns seamlessly with Rotary International’s broader mission for RY 2025–2026, encouraging members to unite with purpose and lead transformative community projects, enhancing the lives of children and youth in meaningful ways.
This initiative marks the beginning of a vibrant and purposeful Rotary Year for District 3800, aimed at growing membership, deepening community partnerships, and creating engagement