Children are the keys of paradise. But in this side of the global fence, particularly in the country’s impoverished communities, the door towards a brighter future seemed bolted. Despite concerted government efforts, majority are still poor and underfed, thus leading to nutritional deficiency. This alarming cycle of urban hunger, if left unbroken, will forever hound the health and future of young Filipinos.

Armed with a noble thrust to hopefully end the country’s severe malnutrition problem, Congo Grille, the metro’s leading prime dining destination, found the opportune time to join the crusade against widespread starvation: by nourishing 407 underprivileged children in its week-long feeding campaign dubbed “Congo-Hugs-A-Heart: Serving Sizzlings of Fun!” in Barangay T. De Leon, Valenzuela City.

Enlivening Filipino volunteerism

Anchored on GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Feed-a-Child project, Congo Grille completely deviated from its usual business tryst as it began its maiden corporate campaign. Led by its managing partner, Kenneth Sytin, the food chain provided a hefty one-week supply of raw poultry and pork meat needed in the feeding plan as prepared by the city government’s health nutritionist. The 120-day feeding program, which main goal is to eradicate the weight and stunted growth problem among the poor children, will include the regular mapping of the child-recipients’ weight to check their overall nutritional improvement by January 9, 2008.

Baptism of Fire

All geared up for the day-long culminating activity, Sytin and his 20 staff hosted what could be considered as Congo Grille’s grandest children’s party ever: Set in the massive covered court adorned with colorful buntings, fun games, face painting, and raffles that elicited feverish excitement among the child-beneficiaries and their parents, the food chain’s management team began their gargantuan task by being surrogate ates and kuyas to a robust crowd of 1,000 participants, inclusive of hands-on catering, hosting, and overall program flow.

As for the restaurant chain’s crusade against undernourishment, the sweet fruit of charity is enlivened by the evident joy and active participation of children and their parents, mostly mothers who have gained a friendly and dependable ally in the food company.

The party’s hearty laughs and jovial mood manifest not only genuine camaraderie but a much-heralded milestone for humanity: as behind the festive children’s party is a glimmering hope that the country, through self-less acts of volunteerism among private sectors, has a big chance to eliminate urban malnutrition.

“Congo Grille’s initiative is deeply appreciated by the Valenzuela City Government, which welcomes any private-sponsored program for our poor folks, especially the young generation. As of present, this feeding program is the biggest in the city in terms of attendance and participation,” Dorothy Evangelista, Special Projects Office chief, noted.

Tidings of Joy

Carla Villanueva, Congo Grille Marketing Supervisor, meanwhile, shared her good news to everyone: This will signify Congo Grille's first launch of our advocacy program, as it slated to support more charity works, with one happening in time for the Yuletide season. “As of now we are set in sustaining any child-friendly project under Kapuso Foundation. This coming December, we’ll be playing as local Santa Clauses for the Give-A-Gift for Christmas program,” she said.

Capping off the day’s event is the ceremonial handing of souvenir gorilla stuffed toys to the child-recipients. While at it, Sytin, together with his tireless team, silently hoped that one day each of the children they have supported will reflect the same jolly enthusiasm of Congo Grille’s adorable plaything: alert, happy, and in the pinkest of health.

“Unlike traditional company outings that are done to commemorate the company’s strong performance, Congo Grille’s voluntary service did not only crown its eight-year feat in the business; it more importantly celebrated Filipino humanity, which I believe is far worthy of rejoicing than any other achievement. It is here that we give a toast to life, and how each of us can make it better for our next generation,” Sytin said.

(Thanks to San Miguel Corporation, Nestle Philippines, Selecta, Apo & Amos and Chinatrust for supporting the advocacy campaign.)