The #LightTheWorld Giving Machines were recently launched in Davao City and Cebu, providing Filipinos in the Visayas and Mindanao regions a unique opportunity to help those in need starting this Christmas.
- The #LightTheWorld Giving Machines in Davao City, launched on November 14, 2024, at the 3rd Floor Extension Wing of Ayala Malls Abreeza, are the first of their kind in Mindanao, one of the Philippines' largest island groups.
- Elder Michael B. Strong, Second Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, presided over the launch of the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines in Davao City on November 24, 2024.
- Elder Michael B. Strong and Sister Cristin Strong showed guests at the Davao launch of the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines on November 14, 2024, how to donate to support Filipino beneficiaries in need.
- Mark Paul Samante, LPT Chairperson of the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council at Ateneo de Davao University, expressed gratitude to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for inviting their organization, for the first time, to be one of the beneficiary partners of the Davao Giving Machines.
- Ms. Melody Ledesma, Country Director of Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, Inc., shared that Mabuhay Deseret Foundation has been a long-time partner of the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines project in the Philippines.
- Teen actress and social media influencer Xia Vigor, a long-time ambassador for the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines, graciously lent her talents to host and promote the launch of the Giving Machines across all locations in the Philippines.
- Filipino actor and heartthrob Jairus Aquino has been generously donating his time, talents, and resources to promote the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines since their introduction in the Philippines.
- After the Davao launch last November 14, 2024, guests lined up at the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines to donate items to the three beneficiary partners: Ateneo de Davao University, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, and UNICEF Philippines.
- Beneficiaries from Mabuhay Deseret Foundation also participated in the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines on November 14, 2024, lining up to donate and extend support to others in need, just like them.
- The #LightTheWorld Giving Machines in Davao City, launched on November 14, 2024, at the 3rd Floor Extension Wing of Ayala Malls Abreeza, are the first of their kind in Mindanao, one of the Philippines' largest island groups.
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Elder Michael B. Strong, Second Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presided over both events, held at Ayala Malls Abreezain Davao on November 14 and Robinsons Galleria Cebu on November 16.
“[The Giving Machines] reminds me of a wonderful phrase in the Book of Acts that describes the Savior. It said, 'He went about doing good.' And because of that, we feel delighted to [collaborate] with you in helping to improve the lives of so many others,” Elder Strong said.
“What a wonderful way to celebrate our discipleship of Jesus Christ than by following His example and serving others in this beautiful and wonderful way,” he added.
The Giving Machines are bright red vending machines with a twist: instead of buying an item for themselves, donors can select an item for beneficiaries, such as food or water kits, educational supplies, hygiene kits, and other essential resources.
In 2023, the Giving Machines collected over PHP 700,000 from more than 4,500 donors at locations in TriNoma, Ayala Center Cebu, and the Manila Philippines Administration Office of the Church in Quezon City. Additionally, the Church donated PHP 500,000 to each of the six charitable organizations, bringing the total nationwide donation to PHP 3.7 million.
This year, donations are expected to rise as Davao City becomes the third location in the Philippines to host the Giving Machines. At Ayala Malls Abreeza in Davao, over 100 people attended the invitation-only launch and press meet hosted by actors Jairus Aquino and Xia Vigor. Guests included City Councilors Hon. Temujin "Tek" Ocampo and Hon. Pilar Braga, members of the media, and social media influencers.
In Cebu City, the Giving Machines returned for the third consecutive year, receiving a warm welcome from Cebuanos. This year, the machines are in the Atrium level of Robinsons Galleria Cebu, a spot with higher foot traffic than previous locations.
- President Paul V. Johnson, Sunday School General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, joined the highly anticipated launch of the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines at Robinsons Galleria Cebu last November 16, 2024.
- Elder Michael B. Strong, Second Counselor to the Philippines Area Presidency, presided over the launch of the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines in Davao City, along with his wife Sister Cristin Strong last November 16, 2024.
- Elder Michael B. Strong, Second Counselor to the Philippines Area Presidency, presided over the launch of the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines in Davao City, along with his wife Sister Cristin Strong last November 24, 2024.
- Elder and Sister Strong, on the November 16 launch of the LightTheWorld Giving Machines in Robinsons Galleria Cebu, sat with representatives of charity-beneficiary organizations partnering with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- In his message on November 16, 2024, Mr. Richard Sarmiento, Mall Operations Manager of Robinsons Galleria Cebu, thanked The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for choosing the mall to host the Giving Machines this year.
- For the third consecutive year, Cebuanos—known for their kindness and generosity—warmly embraced the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines, which were launched on November 16, 2024, at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
- For the third consecutive year, Cebuanos—known for their kindness and generosity—warmly embraced the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines, which were launched on November 16, 2024, at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
- Fr. Alex K. Cola, Jr. Executive Director of Cebu Caritas, donates at the LightTheWorld Giving Machines after its successful launch last November 16, 2024.
- Cebu Philippines Mission leaders President Omer Fernandez and his wife, Sister Amalia Fernandez, showed their support for the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines initiative at the launch event at Robinsons Galleria Cebu on November 16, 2024.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
President Paul V. Johnson, Sunday School General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attended the launch and press meet in Cebu. During a media interview, President Johnson, who is in the Philippines on a ministering visit, shared his thoughts about the initiative.
“I am so grateful to be in the Philippines during this Christmas season. It's great to be in a time when we focus on the Savior, the Light of the World. We are here at the Giving Machines, part of the Light the World approach, where people can come and put their money in the Giving Machine and make a donation to a great cause that will bless people's lives,” President Johnson said.
“One of the fantastic things for me is to have been in parts of the world and see what comes from the Giving Machines donations and to see the results of generous people like you who donate to bless other people's lives,” he added.
Each Giving Machine location joins with select charities to ensure donations have a meaningful local impact. In Davao, the charities include the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, UNICEF Philippines, and Ateneo de Davao University. In Cebu, the machines support Cebu Caritas, Feed the Children, and UNICEF Philippines. In Manila, charities include Caritas Manila, HERO Foundation, and Alagang Kapatid Foundation.
One hundred percent of all proceeds go directly to the chosen charities, allowing participants to see exactly how their donations make a difference.
The Giving Machines will also return to Metro Manila starting November 23 at Ayala Malls TriNoma, joining the locations in Davao and Cebu. With all three sites remaining open until the end of the year, Filipinos nationwide have more opportunities to make a memorable activity to share the Spirit of Christmas this season.