Volleyball Community Gives Back PH has something to serve up for matchday personnel affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Charo Soriano, one of the VCGB PH leaders, is looking forward for two memorable fun days from the sport’s biggest stars through the SERVE AS ONE Variety Show.
A fundraising effort for volleyball personnel presented by Volleyball Community Gives Back PH, the show is scheduled on June 5 and 6, 7:30 p.m. on the ABS-CBN Sports Website, ABS-CBN Sports Facebook Page and ABS-CBN Sports Youtube Channel.
“Time and time again, the Philippine volleyball community has exemplified solidarity in the face of various adversities — from community development, natural disaster responses, relief operations and more recently, distribution of PPEs to different provinces,” said Soriano.
“Everyone helps out. And people — players, coaches, management, staff, officials, and fans — all do their part.”
Last month, the #CARINGFORALL: Down The Line, We Are One was launched to provide assistance for the paid-per-day personnel, as any help will go a long way.
As of last Friday, VCGB PH was able to provide 200 care packs to volleyball personnel all over Metro Manila. The group hopes to raise funds and provide care packs to be distributed for more volleyball personnel families affected by the postponement and cancellation of volleyball leagues.
Help is on the way and Kiwi Ahomiro, who recently lent her hand in delivering PPEs to the Philippine Army, is more than ready.
“We wanted to reach out and help our volleyball personnel and staff and all those who made our games possible — bouncers, ball retrievers, referees, technicians; all those whose livelihoods have been threatened due to COVID-19. So we came up with the idea of putting up the SERVE AS ONE Variety Show. All proceeds will go to the care packages for their families,” said Ahomiro.
Aby Maraño, who was involved in distributing the second wave of care packages, saw the hardships of the matchday personnel.
“Our volleyball officials and personnel felt really sad about the fact that volleyball will stop for the next month ’cause volleyball from most of them is the only source of income they have. I learned that they started small businesses like selling sweet Pinoy desserts; some are selling peanut butter and garlic spicy sauce only to sustain their lives amidst the pandemic situation,” said Maraño.
Also taking part in handing out the care packages was Amanda Villanueva, who hopes that the help will go a long way to boost the spirits of the volleyball game’s unsung heroes.
“In these trying times my main motivation in helping our dearest group of volleyball personnel is the vision of hope that everything will eventually come to an end.
“To let them know as well that we are in this together, and that nobody gets left behind in life whichever direction life leads us because we are one community and we strive to help each other in whatever way we can. To stand together as one family not just on the court, but also outside of the court,” said Villanueva.
There is still a long way to go, but Alyssa Valdez believes that the volleyball community will be on the same page to keep the personnel afloat in this challenging time.
“The fight is far from over. We’re like in a championship situation, like 14-14 all, fifth set.
“We need one another to be able to win this fight! So I’m inviting everyone… Let’s go help serve and win as one,” said Valdez.
Donations can be sent to Ryan Sordan through BPI bank account 8069 0632 77, GCash at 0917-5003390 and PayMaya at 0917-5003390.
Meanwhile, a total of 2,081 pieces of protective personal equipment (PPEs) was distributed by the VCGB PH in the #ServeOurFrontliners: RAFFLES FOR HEROES fund drive for the medical frontliners who are doing a valiant battle against coronavirus.
VCGB PH was already able to donate 310 PPEs to Sultan Kudarat, 220 to Quezon Medical Center, 301 PPEs to Batangas, 200 to Aklan, 100 to Puerto Galera, 200 to Cebu, 250 to Northern Mindanao Medical Center, 300 to National Children’s Hospital, 100 to Army, 50 to Navy and 50 to Maysan Health Station.
