It was during Rotary Year 2011-2012, with a theme “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity”, was the start of a brilliant initiative/idea of the late Past RI President Mat Caparas to hold a “Children’s Party” on July 1, 2011 and every July 1 henceforth. This idea was endorsed by Past RI President Kalyan Banerjee and all the other districts in the Philippines have agreed to implement the idea. This is a very resounding project to start the new Rotary year. The idea was to spend time with the club’s favorite/supported school that could be held at a nearby fastfood like Jollibee or Mcdonald’s in lieu of the club induction or be in addition to.
Over the years, majority of the clubs in our district 3850, specially the Rotary Club of Zamboanga City North, have been observing this activity and has since evolved/modified and improved to fit the current situations.
For the solid north, this activity has been dubbed as “Rotary Loves Kids”
On July 1, 2021, in honor of the late RIPP Mat Caparas despite being under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), the Rotary Club of Zamboanga City North and Rotary Anns Club of Zamboanga City North have initiated this project with Children of Fatima of barangay Baliwasan as its beneficiary.
As the first project of Rtn. Michael “Bato” Chiong as he steps into the realm of presidency, the group trooped to the area with the sun blazing hot on a maze of pathway some parts steeped in mud and at times wide enough to accommodate one person at a time or walk sideways. The eagerness of the children awaiting our arrival was worth the trip. Everything is grace!
More or less 50 less fortunate kids equipped with face mask and face shield were present in the said event who patiently waited for their turn to get their all-time pinoy favorite, Jollibee. Aside from the sumptuous food, the solid north also shared loot bags and school supplies (crayola with coloring book and pencil).
To the kids and to the members of the solid north family, it has always been “Bida ang Saya”, Their happiness is also our happiness! Happy to do Service Above Self and starting “To Serve to Change Lives”.