How a short trip to Cebu helped me become a child rights advocate

Michael Lopresti was just like any other tourist in the Philippines, until one day he decided to support Filipino children.

Type: Story

How a short trip to Cebu helped me become a child rights advocate

By Michael Lopresti

I first visited the Philippines way back in 2006.

I never got bored of returning, so I made the decision to finally live here in 2016. It was difficult at first, but I have since learned how to get by on my own.

I'm slowly learning the Filipino language, but it's still very difficult for someone who has spoken English all their life.

During a short visit to Cebu in late September 2017, I went to a mall and was approached by a fundraiser from Save the Children. I was asked if wanted to be donor.

Before anything else, we first had an honest conversation on why she decided to work for Save the Children. It was obvious to me that she was passionate about truly wanting to change in the lives of underprivileged children.

I then realized that I should be supporting this cause too, so I signed up to become a donor.

How a short trip to Cebu helped me become a child rights advocate

No donation is ever too small

I am aware that the world is not a perfect place and that there are many people who are struggling just to survive another day.

Sadly, a large percentage of children had no choice regarding the life they are given. This is the life they are dealt with since birth.

They were born into a disadvantaged situation, not knowing and experiencing any other kind of lifestyle.

A small donation can go a long way in improving the lives of the poorest children here in the Philippines.

My monthly donation can help children who don’t even have access to their most basic needs.

In my opinion, there is no better way to make a meaningful and personal sacrifice than to commit to a monthly donation that would directly support the helpless.

After signing up and registering my details, the donation process was clearly explained to me.

It’s also good to know that I would be receiving regular updates and monthly newsletters, so I can see the progress of the programs, communities, and children I am supporting.

I found the whole procedure to be smooth and clearly thought-out.

Thank you, Save the Children, for making a big effort in helping those who thought life will always be poverty-stricken. Keep up the positive attitude and hard work, you are contributing to a fantastic cause.

Share your Supporter Story too! Inspire and encourage others to also support child rights!

Send us a short essay, an open letter, a video message, or an article on why you support Filipino children.
Send it to SupporterCare.PH@savethechildren.org

Help us provide life-saving and life-changing programs for the country's most vulnerable children. Donate today, save lives!

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About Save the Children Philippines

Save the Children Philippines has been working hard every day to give Filipino children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for and with children to positively transform their lives and the future we share.

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