Pandemic drying up funds of Negros group caring for homeless, abused kids

Children of Kalipay Negrense Foundation appeal for help amid difficulties brought about by the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

BACOLOD CITY—A foundation that runs two shelters for 102 children who are homeless or had been abused in Negros Occidental province is holding an online fund-raising concert to avoid shutdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Sadly, organizations like ours have been greatly affected by the global pandemic and are currently facing difficulties in sustaining the basic needs of the children in our care and are at risk of possible closure,” said Anna Balcells, head of Kalipay Negrense Foundation.

She said the group had lost many donors because of the pandemic’s impact on the economy.

The online concert, called “Bring Joy”, would be held 8 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 28) and feature artists like Jose Mari Chan, Khu Ledesma, Ian Veneracion, Jett Pangan, Joey Albert, Karylle, JM Rodriguez, Clara Benin, Cecile Alarcon, Tim Pavino and Joaquin Pedro Valdez.

Proceeds would be used to continue the operations of the foundation’s two shelters in two Negros Occidental cities—Haven Home in Bacolod and Recovered Treasures in Bago.

The two shelters house abandoned, neglected, homeless, abused and out-of-school children.

Balcells said she hoped the online concert would increase awareness of the need to protect children and their rights and bring joy to them.

Bring Joy will be streamed live on Kalipay’s Facebook page, Balcells said.

TSB