News Release

LTW Giving Machines Announced First During Influencer and Media Meet-up

Influencers and media get the first glimpse of the Light the World Giving Machines and what to expect in this year’s campaign.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints together with its charity partners, Caritas Manila, UNICEF Philippines and Hero Foundation, announced first to media friends and influencers that the only Giving Machines in Asia are back this Christmas Season to Light the World.


Held last Wednesday, 30 October 2019 at the Seda Vertis North Hotel, more than 50 people came to hear the exciting announcement.

 

When interviewed, Elder Aretemio Maligon, Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared the purpose of the special red machines.

“We always seek opportunities to serve our fellowmen. We want to follow Jesus Christ,

and He served everyone He met,” Said Elder Maligon. “This initiative is only a part of our humanitarian efforts, as we have different programs that help those who are in need.”

Special guest, Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas Manila, expressed his gratitude to the Church for inviting the Roman Catholic church’s largest non-profit charity organization to be a partner to the Light the World Giving Machines.

“As we prepare for the Christmas season, may we remember to extend

our celebration to include our brothers and sisters who may be less fortunate than we

are,” Rev. Fr. Pascual said as he appealed to those present to donate through the Giving Machines.

Representing UNICEF Philippines, Corporate Fundraising Officer Ms. Maria Margarita Baula conveyed her sentiments about the unique Christmas initiative of the Church.

“The reason why we appreciate this partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that it is inclusive of everyone,” she explained. “They were successful in making sure that this program will not only aid these organizations but in our case, help every child.”

Joining for the first time as the third charity partner is HERO Foundation, an organization that helps the families of fallen soldiers, particularly military orphans.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of HERO Foundation, Marketing and Media Relations Head Ms. Kiel Sandico-Fernandez said, ‘’We are grateful for the opportunity to be invited by the Church and to stand alongside the biggest non-governmental organizations like Caritas Manila and UNICEF Philippines.

“To be included in this initiative gives us the chance to share the untold stories of families

left behind by soldiers [killed in the line of duty]. It allows us to extend the assistance they need, as their loved ones bravely fight for this country.”

The Influencer Meet-up allowed the charity partners to share what products that will be in store for the Giving Machines this year. Additionally, UNICEF Philippines, Caritas Manila and HERO Foundation shared the news that the Light the World products will be available online through their Lazada flagship stores, which provides an avenue for those outside Metro Manila to give instant acts of service to those in need.

Present in the Light the World Giving Machine Meet-up were Latter-day Saint influencers Eric “Eruption” Tai, athlete, actor, host and gamer; Jairus Aquino, ABS-CBN actor; Janella Renner, CNN Junior Anchor; and Enos Perez, artist of Warner Music Philippines. Obed dela Cruz, blogger; Gil C. Villanueva, Jr, VLAGZ and blogger; and Ms. Irene Alzola, Associate Marketing Manager of Ayala Malls-TriNoma, were also present.

Media representatives from Business Mirror, BDT Radio Productions & DZXL, Journal Group, Philippine Information Agency, PTV, Radio Veritas Radio Veritas 846, The Manila Times, and TV5 AKFI, and Faith.ph also attended the meet-up.

About #LightTheWorld

The Giving Machines are part of the Church’s annual Christmas campaign, which seeks to

invite people to take the 25 days leading up to Christmas Day to follow the example of Jesus Christ of giving selfless service to others one by one.

The Giving Machines in the Philippines launched on 8 November and will operate until 31 December during mall hours. The special red machines are located at the 4th level near Cinema 1 of TriNoma, Quezon City.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.