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The Full Report

Posted by admin 10 - October - 2010

by Willy T.
edited by Rachel Lim

Sometimes, I really wonder how all these things could fall in together, fitting nicely and perfectly and more importantly, working very effectively as a whole. “Let’s Provide Them with Comfort, Love & Hope” was a joint effort between W3-O Design and Interactive Lab Singapore (as part of their CSR activity), and The Humanity Forum, part of an annual activity to help orphans in our region. W3-O takes care of all logistical aspects and raises funds among their close friends and business partners, while The Humanity Forum helps them by identifying the beneficiaries, plus providing all other coordination and required works.

I guess what people say about ‘practice makes perfect’ is right, particularly for our group of volunteers from W3-O and friends. Nonetheless, without a doubt, a huge help from the Big Guy above has definitely made social work become something very wonderful for the volunteers and also for the beneficiaries – the children of Maria Goretti Orphanage in Palasari and Sidhi Astu Orphanage in Negara. Both homes are located in the western part of Bali, about 3 hours away from the most popular tourist spots. Located at such secluded areas, these homes hardly get any visitors and donors. Hence, they need to live at a bare minimum.

For our volunteers, location became a challenge in many ways. One of the main ones was obtaining information from the homes. Maria Goretti, which was situated deep inside a village, had limited mobile networks while Sidhi Astu did not have any official guardians. Fortunately, thanks to our reliable networks in Jakarta (THF Indonesia) and Bali (Tuka Orphanage), we managed to solve these issues.

Raising Funds, Collecting Goods 

This was probably another big challenge for the team. We had two goals: to raise funds without doing the same thing as we did last year and to hit the minimum fund target of last year’s total raised fund. Last year, during ‘A Jar of Hope’ mission, the team managed to raise about S$ 5,000.00 from selling chocolate cookies. This year we wanted to exceed that amount while doing something different.

A couple rounds of discussion and brainstorming took place to decide on the beneficiaries and what to “bake”. We couldn’t reach a decision until one of us suggested about making chocolate coated marshmallows. Wow! This sounded like a fun activity, something very different compared to the past 2 years. But then, how could we do it? Did anybody know how to do it? We’re copywriters and designers, not chefs. Like a Godsend, one of our members managed to get a pastry chef from a five star hotel in Singapore who was willing to teach the whole team how to make and handle chocolate coated marshmallows. This was amazing! To make it even more sellable, the team designed the packaging, something that we were already good at.

The 'production line'

About 6,550 pieces of marshmallow

After 2 culinary lessons, the team was ready for the real production. We allocated 4 weekends to make them. Each weekend, we targeted to make about 70 bouquets. However, since most of the team consisted of efficient project managers and talented designers with skillful hands, we managed to boost our production up to 259 bouquets on one of the weekends. All in all, 655 bouquets were sold to our friends, and in total the team managed to raise S$12,075.10 with some donation from friends and W3-O. This was a record smashing amount! Everyone was very happy yet at the same time a little stressed because they would have to think of how to break this record next year. But of course, the feeling of joy overwhelmed the latter, especially after realizing that we were going to give the children something they have been praying for – a motorcycle! (See Children’s Wish List).

The team also collected pre-loved stuffs like clothes, bags, books, musical instruments, computers, etc. The Humanity Forum joined them for this effort, which was particularly important for the Indonesian books collection. (See Donated Goods List below)

Donated Computers

Donated clothes (new & used)

Journey to the Mission Field

 

1st October 2010, 4.45PM, was our flight time to Bali. The team was ready to load all the baggage into the airport-bound vehicles by 2PM. We just thought that we might need some time to check all the goods in, including some luggage belonging to the team members. In total, we loaded about 30 pieces of boxes and luggage into a van and some taxis. The van that was packed with most of the donated stuff reached Changi airport around 2.30.

At the airport, the team was given a big shock by the new airline regulation. Unlike other airlines, the supposedly premium airline only allows 1 piece of luggage per passenger! Any additional luggage is chargeable at USD 55. WOW! That was a big sum of money. With that money we could easily buy a lot of food supplies for the kids. We had an additional 10 pieces of luggage and if we were to pay for them, it would have cost the team USD 550! Should we pay for it or should we just throw 10 boxes of gifts away? Throwing the extra boxes away would mean about 50% of efforts spent in collecting all the goodies will be wasted, and the kids will only receive half of what they were supposed to receive.

No one felt good about it until some of us gave an idea about repacking! Without delay, the team repacked all the goods into hand-carry bags and check-in luggage. For a few moments, the front of the check-in counter looked like a market. Very hectic! It was amazing to see how we squeezed 30 items down to 20 items! 15 pairs of kids shoes inside a backpack, 50 books among our clean clothes, 15 pair of adult pants for a hand carry, etc. etc. Everything went in without any problems at all. Good thing we packed light! The team’s fast thinking and action saved most of the goodies, save for a few big plastic toys which had to be sacrificed. BRAVO!

 

Leaving our office

 

At the loading bay

 

Repacking at the airport

 

 

After about 2.5 hrs on the flight, we finally landed at Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali Island of Indonesia. Most of the passengers were in a holiday mood, but not our team. We still needed to clear all the cargo from the custom. After waiting for all the goods to come out and all team members to get immigration clearance, we presented the invitation letter from the orphanage to the officer in charge. Alas, this document was insufficient. We needed several more papers from other administrative departments, including the Indonesia Embassy in Singapore. However, thanks to the great understanding of local custom officers and by declaring some of the boxes, we managed to get clearance for all the donated items. Phew…! What a day!

A quick count at Ngurah Rai airport, Bali

Collecting boxes at Ngurah Rai airport, Bali

Preparation Time, Seminyak, Bali

The next day, after lunch, some team members went to a shopping centre where we could buy things in bulk for the kids. There were 3 shopping lists:

  1. Presents for the Goody Bags
  2. Groceries for the orphanage
  3. Gifts for the games

After we spent about an hour to collect and pay for all the items at the cashier, we packed them into our rented SUV. Then the team split into 2; one team headed back to our accommodation with the goods while the second team went to buy fresh fruits in the local fruit market, near Kerobokan. The second team also swung by a local shop to get some carton boxes for packing.

In the evening, after our dinner, the team started preparing for whatever things they needed to bring the next day. Some of us formed up a ‘production line’ to pack the goody bags for the kids, and some of us were busy re-organizing the donated goods, both from Singapore and Jakarta. Then, just before midnight, after 1.5 hours of ensuring everything was nicely packed, labeled and stacked, the team got the final briefing on what was going happen the next day. Despite having a long and tiring day, the team was very attentive and focused. We just wanted to make sure we could give the kids the best we could provide, after preparing for more than 2 months. The briefing went smoothly, and after that, everyone retired back to our own rooms to catch as much sleep as we could.

Labeling, sorting and repacking

Briefing time, after packing session was completed

Goody bag production line

Attentive volunteers

Showtime!

The day that everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived! This was the day that all of us had been busy preparing for during the past 2 months. This was the day, where all of us from Singapore and Indonesia, were going to bring some joy to the children of Maria Goretti in Palasari and of Sidhi Astu in Negara.

My alarm went off and it showed 4.30AM. After a quick shower and after packing all the necessities -batteries, phones, camera, etc., I headed down to the main gathering place. There were already a few of us there, despite it being so early � 5 AM. After hanging around and getting all the gears ready, at around 5.35, the team decided to move all the goodies to the carpark. The sky was still very dark then. Halfway through the moving though, the sun started to peek, and the 45 seater bus arrived. Then, we started loading the goodies onto the bus. At 6.05AM, everything and everyone was on the bus. We were ON time and ready to go! That was pretty impressive considering none of us got enough rest. I guess the adrenaline played a part too.

Loading started before dawn

Passing breakfast boxes

Sorting boxes based on location at the carpark

Breakfast on bus

As soon as the bus started to move, pre-packed breakfast boxes were handed around. Without waiting much longer the team tucked into their breakfast right away, hoping to finish it soon so that they can catch some sleep. After about 3 hours on the road, passing between many beautiful paddy fields and some beaches, we reached Negara. We headed straight for the nunnery because the homes were rather “trickily” located. However, since we were ahead of schedule and the kids were still in church, we were asked to wait at the kindergarten located behind the nunnery. One of the nuns there, who was on sick leave at that time, served everyone some nice warm tea, something much needed after our 3 hour journey.

Hanging around at a kindergarten in Negara

 

Around 9.30 the kids arrived. 2 young nuns were with them. These were the two nuns who unofficially took care of the kids. Unlike Maria Goretti Orphanage, the homes in Negara do not have any full time guardians due to their limited budget and resources. The homes were an extension of Sidhi Astu Orphanage in Tuka, Bali. (Most of the kids who finished junior high school (SMP) in both Sidhi Astu and Maria Goretti, wanted to continue the Senior High School which specializes in certain subjects like automotive, fashion, cooking, etc.) After a short briefing, the team unloaded several boxes of donated goods, mainly more for the bigger kids, as well as 2 units of computers. The first computer which was supposed to be installed at the boys’ home was installed in the nunnery due to security reasons. Meanwhile the second computer was brought over by the team to the girls’ home, about 15 minutes walk from the nunnery. There were some technical problems during the installations which we suspect was caused by improper handling of the hard drives during the flight. Fortunately the homes knew some local IT technicians, and they will be trying to get the computers fixed during the next few days.

Talking to nuns who unofficially take care of the boys and girls in Negara homes

Getting a unit of computer ready for the boyss

Setting up computer at the Girls' home

Unloading some boxes for Negara homes

Walking to Girls' Home

A sub-standard kitchen at the Girls' Home

After the installation, the team, the big kids and the nuns left the nunnery for Maria Goretti Orphanage in Palasari. While on the way, we dropped by to take a look at the boys’ home. It was located in a little alley, about 10 minutes away from the nunnery. The home looked very bare with some “mess” around the kitchen area. The nuns mentioned that they’ve been nagging at the boys to keep their living area clean and hygienic. Evidently, they seemed to have some difficulties convincing the boys since some parts were still a little “untidy”. Well, boys will be boys! We didn’t stay very long there, maybe around 15 minutes. Then we continued on to our main destination, Palasari.

Sleeping hall at the Boys' Home

Kitchen at boys' home

In Palasari, we were greeted by the kids and Sr. Cicil, the temporary person in charge of Maria Goretti Orphanage. Sr. Fridoline the new head of orphanage who took over Sr. Scholastica, was away at the time of our visit. We were given a very warm welcome and almost all the kids came out to welcome us. We saw some of the Negara children hugging several of the Palasari kids. The Negera kids appeared to be the ex-residents of Maria Goretti Orphanage. After that, we all headed to the orphanage’s living room to go through the day’s itinerary and required locations. Sr. Cicil then gave us a tour around the orphanage. She showed us the computer room where we installed the 3rd computer that we brought from Singapore. She also showed us “Wisma Chiara”, the main hall where we put all the goods in. The unloading went pretty fast and smoothly as everyone, including the kids, helped us. Big kids carried big boxes, small kids carried small boxes, and for extra large/heavy things, 2 people shared the load. What a simple yet beautiful scene.

Maria Goretti Orphanage, Palasari

Discussing itinerary with Sr. Cicil

Before we started the activities, we gathered all the children to have lunch together. One of them came up and started saying the Grace. All the children and volunteers who came from many religious backgrounds -Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Budhism, etc. joined the prayer. The lunch boxes -from a famous caterer in Negara, were sponsored by W3-O for this beautiful occasion.

Handing out lunch boxes

Lunch together

During our meal, we noticed dark clouds starting to loom ominously above us. This definitely wasn’t in our itinerary. So right after lunch, after we finished packing all the emptied lunch boxes into rubbish sacks, the team had a quick meeting in the main hall to discuss Plan B. In the end, the team decided to go ahead with all the games indoors except Water Bomb, since it needed high ceiling area. Crazy Adventure, Lego Building, Milk Pong and Step Balloon would take place in the main hall while the Soccer Game would use a sheltered space, about 30 meters away from the main hall. We weren’t going to let the rain ruin our plans!

We quickly gathered all the kids into the main hall for a briefing on the games. Before we could proceed with our briefing on the games though, the children wanted to showcase something special for us. They were to present some dancing performances. The first dance is a traditional dance from Flores Island, eastern sides of Indonesia. The dance was performed by the kids from Negara who originally came from Flores, Papua, Java and Bali. They then continued with their Pocho Pocho dance, a popular dance in Indonesia. This time, some of the kids from Palasari joined them. Both dances were accompanied with rather upbeat music which transmitted energy to the cheering crowds, the kids and the volunteers.

With the high energy of cheering kids, we needed to play the “Hi-Hi, Hello-Hello” game to regain their attention. Then, we went through the briefing, including teaching them how to use the “Name & Game Card”. Before we knew it, the games had begun!

Milk Pong Game (Nutrition Program)

Step Balloon (Physical Exercise Program)

Step Balloon (Physical Exercise Program)

Lego Building (Kids Creativity Program)

Crazy Adventure (Team Work and Motoric Coordination Program)

Some words of encouragement

 

The whole hall was filled with lots of energy, joy and laughter. The kids, our volunteers and all orphanage workers were laughing and shouting. I suppose even the rain could not stop the joy. It was an amazing scene, as Sr. Cicil described. She was particularly touched with our unique programs. We didn’t just come to drop off donation, but we actually spent time playing with the kids, “You guys don’t just come to give moral and financial supports. You actually give the kids some physical supports!” Sr. Sylviana of Negara added.

Towards the end of the games, the team and the kids continued with their own playing time. During this period, 2 of our members went to have a discussion with all 3 nuns who were in charge of both orphanages. The discussion was meant to share the intention of the cash donation, which was for the educational needs of the children. The nuns understood it and promised to use all the funding for school fees. Then we all headed back to the main hall to hand over the donations.

After all donated items and money were handed over, the team shared with the kids on how we raised all these funds and goods. At the same time, we also introduced the team and Singapore. Some photos and videos were projected on the wall. The kids really loved them and appreciated all the efforts. Just before we wrapped up, our surprise-gift arrived. All the kids ran outside to look at their brand new motorcycle! This was the gift that they really hoped to receive as it would help them to get to their school on time (see Children Wish List). The official handover of the motorcycle was accompanied with a giant key that read “Ride safely and don’t forget to wear a helmet”. To always remember the blissful occasion and friends made, we had our group photos taken. That marked the finale of the whole event in Maria Goretti Orphanage, and after many handshakes and hugs, the team and the kids from Negara left Maria Goretti.

That was not quite the final wrap-up for us. We still had one last thing to do – hand over another donation to the Negara homes. This fund was aimed at supporting their living environment. We asked the nuns to use the money to improve their living conditions like fixing the kitchen, clothes drying area and other amenities that would help the children with their studies. The donation was handed over in Negara nunnery. That was the concluding point of our mission.

The team then headed back to the bus and tried to catch their sleep again. What a tiring but wonderful day!

Handing out goody bags to the kids

Rp. 40,000,000.00 donation for Maria Goretti Orphanage, Palasari

Official handover of the motorbike

Official hand over of all donated goods from Singapore and Indonesia

   

Rp. 10,000,000.00 donation for Sidhi Astu Orphanage, Negara

Official thank you from the children of Maria Goretti Orphanage

Say "Peace..."

 

Final Note

As you can see, when a bunch of good hearted people are put together, we can come up with something beautiful and meaningful for others, as well as for ourselves. The kids of Sidhi Astu Orphanage in Negara and Maria Goretti Orphanges are very thankful for this humanitarian effort. Having seen poverty, despair and isolation on a daily basis, a little help and sincere attention from strangers like us who come from thousands of miles away can bring hope to them or even change their lives.

From the bottom of our hearts and on behalf of the kids, we would like to thank all our friends for their kind supports. This beautiful mission would not have been possible without all your help.

 

We would like to thank all our friends who have supported this effort:

Singapore
Vincent Pet Yew Leong & Friends from Starcom MediaVest & Vivaki
Reshani Priscilla Leong & Colleagues at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok
Zurita Francesca, Yi Ling & Colleagues at Fairfax Media
Friends at Stardust Imaging Edward & Andre
Annie & Mike Joy Wong
Bee Choo Trixie Lee
Charlene Yeo Mandy Ng
Friends at UBS Singapore Celine
Aping & Wimpy Kwan
Nick & Friends at Metafusion Vivien Wee
Marlina & Christian Nana and her kind-hearted family & colleagues
Hui Ling Wenda Wan & Colleagues/Friends from SPH Magazines
Fonita & Fenita Phyllis Yeo & Colleagues/Friends from SPH Newspaper
Meilanie Jeline Ng
Lam Yin Tan Ken Loen
Ira James Sim & Colleagues/Friends
Sherlyn Koh Fiona Wan
Madeleine Loh Kit Chan
Heng Pin Pin Christine Chew and all friends from The GIBBS Salon
Michelle Tan Sio Cheng and all friends from Yellow Pages(S)
Rosiana Ramon & Susie
Jakarta
Gloria Saridewi PT Konimex (Solo)
Sita Dewanto Sylvie Sudarto
Liliana Sofjan Yessy Aditya
Aswini Wijaya Murmansk PT Sola Interactive (Nita Anggriawan)

A very big THANK YOU all our volunteers:

Chiara Dzul Grace
Thania Nana Mitch
Sanny Siti Ivy
Paulyn Zerissa JY
Joyce Andrew Vernon
Nikki Lee Fung Kok Wei
Decks Edward Jeremy
Mamita Lee Fung’s Sons Nandi
Ian Roberto Amos
Andrea Willy Cynthia
Poh Ling Shu Ling

Special Big Thanks for Chef Li Yee for her tireless, dedicated and great supports.

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