Volleyball Community Gives Back to the Philippines (VCGBPH) is an organization led by various volleyball players in their efforts to unite the community during times of adversities.
The organization was formed in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda’s destruction in 2013, where it raised monies to be donated to the victims in Tacloban.
The group, led by Gretchen Ho, Charo Soriano, Alyssa Valdez, and Dzi Gervacio, has since been raising funds to help other communities such as those affected in the Marawi siege in 2017, Typhoon Lawin in 2018, and most recently, the Taal Volcano eruption in January.
This time around, VCGBPH is organizing a fundraising drive to #ServeOurFrontliners: RAFFLES FOR HEROES. The group met through Zoom last Saturday to talk about ways on how to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for the medical frontliners, our heroes who are doing a valiant battle against coronavirus (COVID-19).
“I read the news everyday about the battles of our doctors, nurses, health workers, and frontliners and I wanted to help them, to ease their pain, their burden.
“So I was speaking with Pablo Cabahug about his efforts to produce PPEs in his shop. And he mentioned that they are having difficulty sourcing materials. So I contacted Ate Cha and said it’s time we revive VCGBPH,” said Alyssa Valdez.
VCGBPH is looking to produce an initial 2500 PPEs, but it hopes to make more for our frontliners.
“We wanted to do our part, as much as we can.
“We contacted the rest of our group and planned on how to produce PPEs in the quickest time possible. Most of the suppliers of PPEs that we contacted can only deliver in two to three weeks. So one option that we thought of is to buy the raw materials and give them to the numerous sewers and designers. This way, we can produce of PPEs as soon as possible, and daily, too,” said Charo Soriano.
“In serving our frontliners we came up with the concept of doing bundle raffles, with memorabilia from our players including jerseys, training shirts, shoes and alike. The idea behind this is to generate as many raffle bundles as possible. The raffle tickets cost PHP 300 each and the more you buy, the more chances you have of winning. Players from PSL, PVL, and UAAP are all coming together and pledging their memorabilia for this cause,” added Kiwi Ahomiro.
Among players who pledged to join the RAFFLES FOR HEROES are Alyssa Valdez, Gretchen Ho, Charo Soriano, Kiwi Ahomiro, Amanda Villanueva, Nicole Tiamzon, Kathy Bersola, AJ Pareja, Tatan Gata-Pantone, Sue Roces, Sasa Devanadera, Thang Ponce, Jen Nierva, Jen Reyes, Kath Arado, Ella de Jesus, Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons, Dennise Lazaro, Jema Galanza, and Deanna Wong.
Please visit Volleyball Community Give Back on Facebook and @vcgbph on Instagram and Twitter for details on how to join RAFFLES FOR HEROES.
