The spirit of Christmas giving continues to shine in Davao City as the innovative Light the World Giving Machines return for their second year. This unique vending-for-charity initiative, located on the third floor of Abreeza Ayala Mall in Bajada, will operate from December 1, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
Three Local Charities to Receive Support
This season, the iconic red kiosks will channel donations to three vital Davao-based organizations. Donors can choose to support the Archdiocesan Nourishment Center, known for its community feeding programs, the SOS Children's Village which provides care for vulnerable children, and the House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, which assists young patients at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
The concept is simple yet powerful: individuals visit the machines and purchase essential items, which are then donated directly to their charity of choice. This annual project is spearheaded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which covers all administrative and marketing costs, ensuring that one hundred percent of every donation reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Building on a Successful First Year
The program's debut in Davao City last year was met with remarkable generosity. A total of 6,305 donors contributed approximately P750,000 through the machines. In a significant boost, the Church supplemented these public donations with an additional P500,000 for each of the three participating charities.
Davao City holds a special place in the program's national history. While the Philippines first hosted these giving machines in 2018, Davao was only the third city in the country to welcome them in 2024, highlighting the community's strong spirit of Bayanihan.
A Call to Light the World Through Giving
Church leaders are enthusiastically inviting the public to participate in this meaningful holiday tradition. Elder Carlos Revillo, Philippine Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasized the impact during the launch event at Abreeza.
"We'd like you to visit the Giving Machines to light the world so that we can help others that are in need," Elder Revillo stated, highlighting the critical work of the House of Hope, SOS Children's Village, and the Archdiocesan Nourishment Center.
This initiative offers residents and visitors of Davao a tangible, efficient, and heartfelt way to spread cheer and provide crucial support to some of the city's most vulnerable populations during the festive season and beyond.
