Solane employees bring smiles to kids of Virlanie
MANILA, Philippines - One Friday afternoon, close to the end of a business day, some 30 or so employees of LPG brand Solane skipped their usual gimmick night to spread holiday cheer and give the underprivileged children of the Virlanie Foundation their own brand of gimmick: an early Christmas party.
The party, held in a quiet neighborhood somewhere in Makati, is actually the first activity under Alab Kalinga, Solane’s corporate social responsibility initiative to utilize the company’s resources and expertise in reaching out to individuals and communities who need it the most.
Arriving at the Virlanie Foundation in Makati City, Solane employees were welcomed by children from the institution’s nine homes. Virlanie Foundation houses about 1,200 children who are abandoned, abused, orphaned, and among the poorest of the poor. Their grim histories are masked by their mega-watt smiles upon seeing their big brothers and sisters from Solane, led by marketing head Carisse Vendiola, research and promotions manager Valeri Batenga, and product and brand manager Ernest Loquinario.
Isla LPG Corporation COO Ramon Del Rosario lauded the activity, encouraging their employees to nurture the spirit of volunteerism, go beyond their daily work duties and â€build and give back to the community, especially to the less fortunate members of society,†Del Rosario shared.
The party started with fun games where kids won Solane cylinder coin banks to teach them the value of saving money. The Solane mascot, Smarty, also spread holiday cheer to the kids by giving toys.
At the end of the event, the children performed a special dance number to thank Solane employees for sharing their time and effort and sharing the spirit of the season with them.
