SM ushers in ‘Christmas in November’

The children of Kythe Foundation pose in front of the SM Store entrance in SM Seaside Cebu. —CONTRIBUTED

Christmas came early for select beneficiaries from all over the country as the Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. (SSFI), supported by SM, recently conducted its annual “Christmas in November” project.

Now on its 26th year, the first leg of the annual “Christmas in November” activity kicked off in SM City Clark on Nov. 7, where children from indigenous communities in Pampanga were treated to a meal, followed by an early holiday shopping at the SM Store. The day ended with the children enjoying a carousel ride in SM City Clark.

Spearheaded by Mark Lapid, son of Sen. Lito Lapid and general manager of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and supported by Nancy dela Rosa, wife of Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa; Maricel Tulfo, daughter of Sen. Raffy Tulfo; and Social Welfare Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay, the SSFI also provided social services via the Senate Assist caravan stationed at SM City Clark.

Love Marie Escudero, President of the Senate Spouses Foundation Inc., assists children from Kythe Foundation. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Mrs. Nancy Dela Rosa in SM City Clark with beneficiaries of Christmas in November.

Children from the indigenous communities in Pampanga enjoy a carousel ride at SM City Clark.

SSFI President Love Marie Escudero, wife of Senate President Francis Escudero led the Cebu delegation on Nov. 17 assisted by Kathryna Pimentel, wife of Senator Koko Pimentel; Nancy dela Rosa and Maricel Tulfo.

The Cebu delegation hosted children beneficiaries afflicted with cancer and other chronic diseases under the care of the Kythe Foundation.

These beneficiaries were treated to an early Christmas shopping at the SM Store and had an opportunity to meet mascots at the SM Seaside Mall in Cebu. Tthe SSFI also extended medical assistance and social services through the Senate Assist caravan.

The third and final leg of the Christmas in November project for the year was held in SM Lanang Davao on Nov. 27, with Nancy dela Rosa, leading the delegation.

DSWD Undersecretary Emmeline Villar accompanies children beneficiaries from Pampanga while shopping at SM Store.

A beneficiary from Cebu checks out the toy trucks.

A beneficiary from Pampanga happily carrying his finds from SM Store.

Beneficiaries from the TATAG IP Students Foundation enjoyed their lunch with the SSFI after shopping at the SM Store. There was also a whole day Senate Assist helpdesk at the SMX in SM Lanang.

SM has been a staunch supporter of the SSFI’s Christmas in November for more than two decades.

SM has always believed in the power of community and the importance of supporting meaningful initiatives that make a difference in the lives of individuals and families.