Celebrating the Season with SM's "100 Days of Caring

In recent years, the arrival of the 'ber' months has always marked the countdown to the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas carols fill the air, dazzling lights illuminate the streets, gift shopping becomes a spirited endeavor, and many embark on pre-holiday diets to make way for Christmas feasts.

This year, while the festive spirit might be somewhat subdued, it promises to be more meaningful than ever. SM has introduced a heartwarming initiative, "100 Days of Caring," to celebrate the season by spreading love, thoughtfulness, and care to communities surrounding their beloved malls. The virtual event, showcasing the pledges, took place on Thursday, September 16, 2021, via FB Live and WatchSM on YouTube.

"100 Days of Caring"

To kickstart the Christmas countdown, SM pledged to donate to over 10,000 beneficiaries, including communities in need, hardworking SM employees, medical frontliners, and dedicated delivery partners. Some of the notable beneficiaries and their partner malls are as follows:

• SM North EDSA: Donating 100 pairs of World Balance rubber shoes to seniors at Graces Home for the Elderly in Quezon City.
• SM Megamall, The Podium, and SM Center Pasig: Providing 100 raincoats and rain boots to delivery partners.
• SM Mall of Asia: Distributing 100 care packages containing face masks, face shields, Ensure milk, vitamins, supplements, and more to senior citizens in the community.
• SM Southmall: Offering various story and educational books to SOS Children’s Villages.
• Metro Manila and Rizal malls: Partnering with orphanages such as Associacion De Damas Filipinas, Bahay Aruga, White Cross Orphanage, and The Little Children’s Home to deliver 100 toys and essential goods.

In North Luzon, the initiatives include:

• SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Olongapo Central, and SM City Tarlac: Providing grocery packs to 100 Aeta families from Zambales and Tarlac.
• SM City Rosales, SM City Urdaneta Central, and SM Center Dagupan: Handing fishing supplies to fishermen in Pangasinan.
• SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan: Distributing 100 pairs of shoes to select tricycle and jeepney drivers in Bulacan.

Additional contributions include:

• SM City Bacoor: Donating 100 braille books to the Deaf & Blind Foundation Philippines.
• SM City Cebu: Bringing joy to kids of Kythe Foundation with 100 toys.
• SM City Iloilo: Providing 100 25kg sacks of rice to healthcare and peace & order frontliners.
• SM City Puerto Princesa: Delivering 100 grocery bags to displaced tourism personnel.
• SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier: Distributing 100 farming tools to local farmers.
• SM City Butuan: Giving 100 Fiesta Food Packs to Por Cristo Foundation, Inc.

'Gift' for Your Mental Health

During the pandemic, our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Recognizing this, SM invited Dr. Gia Sison, MD DPCOM, a mental health advocate and co-founder of PH Leader Livestrong Foundation, to give a 'Call to Share' talk during the virtual launch. Dr. Sison’s talk focused on coping strategies during these stressful times and finding hope for a brighter tomorrow.

100 Voices That Care

Music, a binding force among Filipinos, played a significant role in the event. Although large gatherings are restricted, SM entertained the audience with a performance by the 3 Divas – Rahda, Frenchie, and Bituin Escalante. They were later joined by 100 artists, singers, and SM employees and stakeholders who came together to sing during the virtual launch on September 16.

In the midst of a pandemic, even though times are tough and many of us are physically apart, it’s essential to remember the true meaning of the season. To view the event, visit WatchSM on YouTube.