This scene, multiplied by a thousand, is Blue Christmas 2008, held November 29.
Blue Christmas is an annual event under the Council of Organizations in Ateneo (COA). Children from various areas in Metro Manila gather in the Ateneo to participate in activities such as tie-dyeing, story-telling and group dynamics.
In the morning, the children attended “classes” sponsored by orgs in the Ateneo. In the afternoon, children and volunteers participated in the “Lights for Hope” program at the Bellarmine Field.
Themed “Stars All Over the World,” this year’s Blue Christmas took charge of 1000 kids from sector-based organizations Kaingin, Musmos, the Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League, Tugon, Gabay, the Ateneo Center for Educational Development, and Gawad Kalinga.
Season of giving
“It’s not about [the volunteers] being happy,” said Project Head Sharleen May Chua (IV BS MAC) on Blue Christmas. “It’s about making the kids experience Christmas despite their financial status.”
Chua said the event is an avenue for Ateneans to give back during the holidays.
Facilitator Gabriel Benedict Odono (I BS CoE) said that though he liked playing with the kids and meeting other facilitators in Blue Christmas, he found the kids’ happiness more important. “The fun is in knowing that these kids get to have fun, at least every now and then.”
“[In Blue Christmas], everything is for the kids, for them to enjoy the Christmas that they should have had,” said Odono.
However, Blue Christmas volunteers were not the only ones who wanted to share their blessings.
When asked why she didn’t eat her hotdog sandwich, six-year-old Christine Managabat said, “Iuuwi ko po kasi kay mama (I’ll bring it home for my mom).”
“Ibibigay ko po ito kay kuya mamaya (I’m giving it to my brother later),” said six-year-old Mary Ruth Turino as she tucked her leftover chicken inside her knapsack.
Despite financial crisis
Chua said that the Blue Christmas committee had to adjust to the difference in the number of kids this year from last year’s 650, since the committee had financial problems.
“Biglang ang laki pala ng amount as compared to last year (Suddenly, the amount needed this year greatly increased compared to last year).”
She added that it’s harder to get sponsors this year because of the economic crisis.
Chua said they were able to get half of the needed amount from COA while the other half were from sponsors. Next year, the alumni are planning to invite 1500 kids, said Chua.
Aside from Blue Christmas, the Special Education Society also held Sparkle on December 6. Sparkle was similar to Blue Christmas, except that it featured a children’s carnival at the SEC field.
