FOR the fourth straight year, the Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (NordCham) made a substantial donation to the Chosen Children Village Foundation in Cavite as part of its commitment to assist the less privileged sectors in the country.
NordCham President Bo Lundqvist said it is important for them as a chamber to be able to provide assistance to foundations and organizations that take care of people with special needs.
“It is the fourth year for us. This is a happy place to come to. It is important for us to engage in projects like this, especially with the fact that those with mental and physical disabilities are like second-class citizens in the country,” Lundqvist said.
Lundqvist said the handicapped individuals in the country have limited acceptance, and that there is only little help available to them. He said the chamber is trying to make a difference, even in small sizes, with its community outreach projects.
Lundqvist described the Chosen Children Village Foundation, which was established in 1989, as a well run foundation that provides quality assistance for the mentally and physically challenged children.
It is the same sentiment shared by Swedish Ambassador-designate Harad Fries, who, along with his wife, joined NordCham in his personal capacity as the chamber turned over the funds raised from its annual Nordic Crayfish Party.
A crayfish party is a traditional summertime celebration in Nordic countries. For this year’s event in the Philippines, NordCham was able to gather more than 300 guests who feasted on a wide array of Nordic dishes, beer, wines and snaps, and plenty of crayfish.
The event also had Eurovision-style stage performances, a live auction, raffle draws and a live band providing nonstop entertainment throughout the night.
“It is a wonderful facility, and they do a very important work. This is a personal interest to me,” Fries noted, while adding that some of the children in the village have been adopted in the past and are now living in Sweden.
Fries said he will talk to Swedish companies operating in the Philippines to see if they could do more CSR projects in the country.
Built in a 4.40-hectare property, the Chosen Children Village Foundation has 11 children cottages, a chapel, rehabilitation center and skills training facility. It has 47 staff members who take care of 83 children, aged from one month to 29.
Some of the children they are taking care have been adopted here in the country and in Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Spain and France.
The funds raised by NordCham will be used by the Chosen Children Village Foundation for educational assistance, training and its daily operations.
Image credits: Rodel Alzona