‘Goodness for Kids’ Kicks Off New Rotary Year for RI District 3800

R.I. District 3800 marked the start of RY 2025-2026 with the inspiring “Goodness for Kids” project, a dynamic two-day series dedicated to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

More than 500 Rotarians from all over the district joined District Governor Gina Sanchez on July 1 and 2, 2025 in five (5) separate locations to do good for almost a thousand beneficiaries consisting of indigent, disabled, abandoned, orphaned, deprived, indigenous, differently-abled, or underprivileged special children.

To begin with, 150 Rotarians from CAMANAVA converged at the Valenzuela School of Mathematics and Science in the early morning of July 1 to turn over 12 wheelchairs to children with physical disabilities, and provide lunch boxes, tumblers, dental supplies, and ecobags containing food items to 300 SPED students.

Later, at around lunchtime of the same day, 120 Rotarians from San Juan and Mandaluyong were at the Pinaglabanan Shrine to conduct parlor games dubbed ‘Palarong Pinoy Edition’ and story-telling sessions for, and distribute school supplies and food to, 300 public elementary school children. In the afternoon, a fun-filled arts workshop and special painting contest were held for 70 children with special needs at the Special Children Educational Institute in Pasig. All these were undertaken in partnership with the Knights of Columbus.

The following morning, or on July 2, 2025, 150 Rotarians from Rizal were at the Libis Elementary School in Antipolo to plant trees with 214 Dumagat tribe children, who enjoyed story-telling activities, underwent medical and dental check-ups, avail of free haircuts, and receive vitamins, dengue kits, and food items.

Finally, in partnership with PCCI-Marikina, 130 Rotarians from Marikina, San Mateo, and Rodriguez trooped to Cottolengo Filipino that afternoon to show kindness to 35 abandoned, differently-abled, and orphaned children, by turning over medical, hygiene and cleaning supplies, and food items, among others. A cash donation was also given to the institution.

Spearheaded by District Governor Gina Sanchez, this initiative resonates strongly with R.I.’s message, “Unite for Good”. The district’s Inclusivity was showcased by partnering with various groups, in the form of meaningful collaborative outreach for children, as well as by fostering an environment where all children are given opportunities to thrive. The focus on DEI ensures that Rotary’s service also extends equitably to diverse communities.

The “Goodness for Kids” project is not only a powerful kickoff to a year of service, but also builds upon Rotary’s strategic pillars of innovation, continuity, and partnership. It is hoped these will inspire Rotary clubs to sustain their engagement and create more impact in the months to come.