Every summer, children from all over the country hit the roads in droves for another memorable vacation. With family, or with friends, the memories formed here will be cherished for years to come.
Unfortunately, not all children are able to enjoy the simple pleasures of the summer vacation. Thousands of special children in the country are afflicted with conditions and illnesses that make it difficult for them to facilitate even basic social interactions. These include those that are diagnosed with; Autism, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, or even those who have been abandoned.
This summer, the President of Kamp Pagkakaisa Volunteers, Inc. (KPVI), Chito San Agustin, who is also the President of Kia Owners United Philippines (KOUPh) banded together: Club Rio Philippines, Picanto Club PH, Kia Soul Club Philippines, Kia Carens Club of the Philippines, Kia Forte Club Philippines, Kia Sportage Owners Club Philippines and the Kia Auto Club Pilipinas and Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines to treat these special children to the experience of a lifetime.
A Kamp for a cause
Earlier this year, CAC was approached by San Agustin with a proposal to help send more than 400 participants to a special Summer Kamp for Orphaned Special Children.
San Agustin, who won CAC’s Kia Advocate contest in 2016, is the President KPVI, a non-profit, non-stock organization that is committed to the welfare and development of these special young people. For the past 38 years, KPVI has held Summer Kamp for Orphaned Special Children where children engage in classes and activities that teach them self-help and also showcase their innate talents and skills through therapeutic activities.
CAC responded by providing transportation for the participantsand financial assistance for the 10-day Kamp.
CAC president Ginia R. Domingo expressed how proud and excited the company is to contribute to the Kamp. “When Chito came to us with his proposal, we were excited to get on board, particularly for such a worthy cause. Even if we already have our annual CSR activities, we won’t let opportunities like this pass us by, especially when it’s initiated by our customers and biggest supporters as well. It serves as a reminder that Kia’s Family-Like care extends beyond the confines of your cars and our dealerships.”
According to San Agustin, “I’ve met many of these Kia car club members on the road and at events. I know personally how kind-hearted and warm these people are. Many of them did not hesitate to donate to KPVI’s cause.
According to San Agustin, “CAC really stepped up above and beyond what we asked of them. It would have been difficult to make this event successful without their support. They really showed us the meaning of Kia’s Power to Surprise.”
Kamping trip of a lifetime
This year’s KPVI Kamp was held from April 21 to April 30 in Cuenca, Batangas. At least 400 children with special needs, afflicted with illnesses and orphans from different parts of the country all came together for a one of a kind vacation experience.
After the success of this year’s event, the leaders of KPVI visited CAC’s offices in Makati to present Domingo with a plaque of appreciation.
Domingo thanked KPVI for their efforts in bringing happiness into these special children’s lives and shared how CAC also appreciated their efforts and the chance to be part of something extraordinary.
