For Immediate Release
Media Contact: leezel.tanglao@fylpro.org
June 8, 2020
Filipino Young Leaders Program Raises $1,200 for COVID-19 Relief in the Philippines Through Kapwa Virtual 5K Run/Walk
COVID-19 has impacted everyone on a global scale including our ability to support relief causes through traditional fundraisers such as a 5K run.
In response, Char McGinnis, a 2018 Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) delegate and current FYLPRO secretary, quickly pivoted and adapted what was her legacy project to focus on helping front liners in rural areas in the Philippines.
In partnership with the American Chamber Foundation, Philippines Inc., the Kapwa Virtual 5K raised $1,200 over the course of 5 days from June 1-5, 2020. Participants ran or walked in their neighborhood, on their treadmill or in place while being mindful of social distancing.
100% of proceeds went to acquiring testing and extracting kits, medical supplies, and services to vulnerable medical workers, assigned military/police personnel, and public servants in the regions where COVID-19 testing is very low. Supplies were initially distributed to the following hospitals and institutions:
- Lung Center of the Philippines
- National Kidney and Transplant Institute
- Philippine Genome Center
- PNP Crime Laboratory
- Makati Medical Center
Each hospital and institution received the following:
- 20 coveralls
- 20 gallons of alcohol
- 20 boxes of surgical facemasks
- 20 boxes of gloves
- 20 face shields
“Maraming salamat po to those who supported my FYLPRO legacy project, Kapwa 5K Run/Walk. My original project flexed to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions and shifted to focus on the dire need for PPE for front liners in the Philippines,” said McGinnis. “I’m proud to have partnered with the American Chamber Foundation on this effort as the American Chamber of Commerce Philippines has been, and continues to be, a great FYLPRO supporter.”
“We are thankful that Char McGinnis used her legacy project as a vehicle to help our kababayans battling the coronavirus pandemic,” said FYLPRO President Joshua Ang Price. “Her leadership on this project is a testament to her dedication to our organization, which is actively looking for collaborative projects and partnerships to support our Filipino communities through our COVID-19 Relief Fund.”
FYLPRO is continuing to fundraise for the COVID-19 Relief Fund. You can donate here: https://fylpro.org/support/
The FYLPRO COVID-19 Task Force is looking to identify COVID-19 relief efforts in the US and the Philippines that FYLPRO may be able to partner with or support through its regional relief program. If you are aware of potential partner organizations or potential recipients for FYLPRO’s COVID-19 regional relief program, please complete the information request form.
Questions? Contact: covidresponse@fylpro.org
About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)
The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of high-performing, next-generation leaders that have a passion for advancing the Philippines and the Filipino people.
FYLPRO was established in 2012 by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to annually identify outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide the delegates with invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government.
For more information:
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