Annual fund-raising launched for kids with cancer, chronic illnesses

As Christmas – a season inspiring goodwill and charity – is just around the corner, AG New World Manila Bay Hotel launched on Friday its annual fund-raising drive in partnership with Kythe Foundation for the benefit of children diagnosed with cancer and chronic illnesses.

The kickoff was marked by a tree-lighting ceremony led by Manila Vice Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan, AG New World General Manager Mark Heywood, and Kythe Foundation Executive Director Maria Fatima Garcia-Lorenzo.

The symbolic lighting represented hope and the promise of a brighter future for children with cancer and chronic illnesses.

The guests were also treated to live musical performances by violinist and cancer survivor Emil John Olisco, who is a Kythe beneficiary, and the Symphony of Angels Children’s Choir (formerly the Vox Angeli Children’s Choir).

Heywood urged everyone to share their blessings to children in need either by donating or buying the Christmas Village houses, which are on display at the lobby of the hotel.

“It’s Christmas time. It’s a time of giving and it’s a time of thinking about the children,” Heywood said. “So if you feel like giving, just come over the lobby of AG New World Manila Bay and support the children of Kythe Foundation by donating in our wishing well or by buying one of our Christmas houses.”

One of the Christmas Village houses on display at the lobby of the AG New World Manila Bay Hotel (Photo by JHOANNA BALLARAN / INQUIRER.net)

Each Christmas Village house is unique and depicts heart-warming Christmas scenes from all over the world. The sets were commissioned by Kythe Foundation and made by Cebu craftsmen.

All proceeds of the fund-raising drive will go to the Kythe Foundation, who has been the hotel’s partner for more than 10 years. Last year, the drive raised P130,000 for the children.

AG New World Manila Bay is on Pedro Gil Street in Malate, Manila. /atm