MoneyGram reaches out to Filipino children in need with $35,000 donation

MANILA, Philippines - Leading global money transfer company MoneyGram International, Inc. is supporting underprivileged Filipino children by donating $35,000 to U.S.-based non-profit organization Holt International, which serves children and families in 14 countries including the Philippines. It has teamed up with Kaisahang Buhay Foundation (KBP) to help select the children beneficiaries who will be the recipients of the assistance. KBP, in turn, fosters close ties with the local communities, and is known for its continuous efforts in supporting identified vulnerable families and children.

With the Philippines being one of the countries selected as recipients of the latest funding, deserving less fortunate Filipino preschool to high school students identified by KBP will receive financial assistance in terms of school supplies, tuition fees, and school-based meal programs during the 2012-2013 school year.

Holt International’s Vice President Susan Soonkeum Cox said: “We are grateful for the funds from MoneyGram, which will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of hundreds of children and their families. With this grant, Holt and our partner agencies are focused on strengthening and deepening our education programming to serve more children.”

“MoneyGram’s support for a full school year for at-risk families ensures that many children will continue their education next year, and that they will be in the condition to learn, especially after having eaten a nutritious lunch,” explains Rosario dela Rosa, Executive Director for KBP. “We’ll also be providing scholarship funds to seven of our students who are entering adulthood and preparing for their lives beyond the support of our programs.”

The company realizes its deep commitment to literacy and education through its Global Giving Program, which aims to support efforts for children’s education around the world. This latest grant concludes the company’s lauded Gear up for School campaign, which has provided computers and other prizes to customers and community agencies in several countries since June. The Philippines is one of the remittance leading countries that have benefited from these programs.

In all, MoneyGram’s Global Giving program continues to provide about $500,000 annually in grants to nonprofit organizations around the globe, funding education and microfinance programs, as well as disaster relief. 

“As a money transfer provider, we know first-hand how important small sums of money are to individuals working far from home to build a better life for themselves and their families in their native countries,” says Alex Lim, MoneyGram Philippines Country Manager. “We know that helping with tuition and other education expenses is an important key to building a better life.”

He concludes: “By supporting groups like Holt, and the Philippines’ Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, MoneyGram is able to help enrich the lives of vulnerable families focused on a brighter future.”