They have been doing this for three years in a row, and the charm continues. PWD: Reach for the Sky once again succeeded in eliciting smiles from everyone present in the event – children with special needs, orphans, their families and friends, advocacy team and partners. The positive energy emanating from the children as they went through the exhilarating experience of flying ultralight choppers dominated the air.
Photography With a Difference (PWD), an advocacy led and founded by prominent photographer John K. Chua, has been conducting this activity since 2011 with the objective of giving the beneficiaries and their guardians a “worry-free” day. The entire group trooped to the Angeles City Flying Club Woodland Airpark in Pampanga early in the morning of February 16, 2013 where they were greeted with various colorful ultralight aircraft and plenty of fun activities dedicated entirely for that day.
Each child was accompanied by a pilot for every flight. The pilots taught the children key features of the aircraft – from controls to dynamics – before taking them up for the ultimate joy ride. Kids waiting for their turn, on the other hand, amused themselves with other activities in the venue including drawing and painting sessions, treasure hunt, among others.
One of the consistent supporters is SM Supermalls’ advocacy arm, SM Cares, specifically its Program on Disability Affairs headed by Engr. Bien C. Mateo. Mateo shared that Reach for the Sky complements SM’s own mission to give its customers and partners the chance to improve their interaction and understanding of members of society who have special needs. He pointed out that this is also the reason why SM has made its malls more accessible for PWDs and their families.
As part of its support, SM will be showcasing some of the photos taken during the event by the Canon Advocacy Team (A Team) at the Mall of Asia in the coming days. Aside from SM Cares, other participants included SM City Clark, AD/HD Society of the Philippines, Autism Society of the Philippines, Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc., Kythe Foundation, Parent Advocates for the Visually Impaired Children, Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders, Inc., and Parent Council for the Welfare of the Hearing Impaired Children, Inc.. Beneficiaries for the event are the Angeles SPED Center, Chosen Children Village Foundation and Precious Community of San Fernando de Dilao Parish (also known as Paco Church).
1 Comment
Seeing the smile of the child in the second photo is priceless. I have a daughter who is special also that’s why I really appreciate the efforts of the people behind this project.