HSBC ONQ @ Elsie Gaches

1. Count Me In! Awareness Campaign (Elsie Gaches Village Day Trip)

2. Across the road from a posh shopping center in Alabang, Muntinlupa is a small community whose residents can NEVER go to the mall. Tucked away behind the high concrete fences of Elsie Gaches Village (EGV), they live out their lives away from society, which has cast them out for being mentally handicapped. In the Philippines, mentally challenged persons suffer the stigma of being outcasts because of their condition. The stereotype of the mentally challenged family member locked up in a dark room is a stark reality, the families hiding them out of shame. Those who can go out of the house are mocked by unsympathetic neighbours. "Because of their condition, some people forget that these children are humans. They’ve lived in horrible conditions. Some of them were abandoned by their families,“(excerpt Manila Bulletin - May 16, 2004) Jing De Luna - January 2011

3. The HSBC ONQ Purpose To create an awareness about The Elsie Gaches Village. To learn about the history, the purpose & goals of this Charitable Institution. To encourage co-workers to know more about the beneficiaries & employees under this Institution. To make co-workers understand the reality of life outside of their comfort zone through this experience. Jing De Luna - January 2011

4. Desired Outcome At the end of the visit we would like following results: Co-workers know the history & goals of the Elsie Gaches Village. To remember a story or important information about a beneficiary or employee of the Institution. Jing De Luna - January 2011

5. The Elsie Gaches Village was established February 3,1964.This centre is under the Department of Social Welfare. It is the ONLY residential care facility in the country for a special group of clientele. Jing De Luna - January 2011

6. The government received 16 hectares of land from the late American couple Samuel and Elsie Gaches. The couple, having NO children of their own, lovingly donated this property to take care of special, mentally challenged, underprivileged group of children during the 60’s Jing De Luna - January 2011

7. On January 29, 2011 the HSBC ONQ team came to Elsie Gaches Village for the 1st time. Everybody woke up early and we brought in our small donation for the foundation. Jing De Luna - January 2011

8. 9:00am Before the Orientation Jing De Luna - January 2011

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11. EGV Psychologist, Juno, during the Orientation . . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

12. And the tour of the EGV facility began. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

13. Moon walking by Ace, one of the residents (joke! Joke! Joke! only) Jing De Luna - January 2011

14. The EGV Mansion Jing De Luna - January 2011

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16. ONQ TEAM – Team Love Jing De Luna - January 2011

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18. The Mansion at present has been converted to SPED classrooms. Jing De Luna - January 2011

19. The Team listening attentively. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

20. Mon waiting for the teacher. . . (joke only!) Jing De Luna - January 2011

21. Who would have known that this team will take time to . . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

22. To listen to her who is Longing to talk to someone, anyone . . . Note: pictures of clients were taken from websites. The team was advised to avoid taking frontal pictures of residents. Jing De Luna - January 2011

23. Be with these children waiting for the show. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

24. Or see how to care for this child who can only wait ,till it’s time for her to be fed. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

25. The facility for profound cases. Where many shed a tear for those who will be babies forever. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

26. They look just like you and me. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

27. Waiting in line. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

28. But, you have to look real closely. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

29. Grown men, who will think and act like 5 year olds all their lifetime. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

30. Happy to be remembered and cared for. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

31. Having simple joys. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

32. And little needs. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

33. A heart warming Smile. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

34. Will melt your hearts. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

35. Encouraging us all. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

36. And making other people help. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

37. To keep her alive. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

38. It’s so amazing to know that just an hour and a half of fun and laughter, a small box of toiletriesand a can biscuit, can bring so much joy. . . Jing De Luna - January 2011

39. We couldn’t help wondering if we were the blessing or we were the ones blessed by their childlike joy and contentment with our visit. Perhaps it was both. Jing De Luna - January 2011

40. Made possible by:AceAniaApple Doty EmmanGillian JanetJetJingLovely MalouMonPaoloShayne YnelAnd their families Jing De Luna - January 2011

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49. Thank you! We wish you All a Blessed Life! Jing De Luna - January 2011