Volleyball stars come to frontliners’ aid amid COVID-19 pandemic

By Kristel Satumbaga

Volleyball Community Gives Back to the Philippines (VCGBPH), an organization composed of volleyball players in the country, is organizing a fundraising event in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Called “#ServeOurFrontliners: Raffle for Heroes,” the cause is aimed at initially producing 2,500 personal protective equipment from proceeds.

The Volleyball Community is coming together once again, this time to #ServeOurFrontliners ❤️ If you have been looking for ways to help, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE✊ pic.twitter.com/hRZapbRj33

— Volleyball Community Gives Back (@VCGBph) March 30, 2020

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“I read the news everyday about the battles of our doctors, nurses, health workers and frontliners, and I wanted to help them, to easy their pain, their burden,” said volleyball star Alyssa Valdez in a statement, adding that she contacted Charo Soriano to revive the VCGBPH for this cause.

The VCGBPH was formed in 2013 in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda and raised funds donated to the victims in Tacloban City.

Led by Gretchen Ho, Soriano, Valdez and Dzi Gervacio, the group has been doing their share of fundraising activities to help other communities such as those affected during the Marawi siege in 2017, Typhoon Lawin in 2018 and the Taal Volcano eruption last January.

“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,” said Soriano, adding that other suppliers have been having a hard time producing PPEs due to lack of materials.

Soriano said one of their options is to buy raw materials to donate to suppliers like sewers and designers.

“That way, we can produce PPEs as soon as possible, and daily, too,” Soriano added.

Part of the fundraising activity will be doing bundle raffles with memorabilia from players including jerseys, training shirts, shoes and alike.

Raffle tickets cost P300 each.

Among the players who pledged to join are Valdez, Ho, 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 and Denden Lazaro.

Source: Manila Bulletin