Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 24) — Upon learning of the shortage in supplies for frontliners and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Philippine team fencer and Ateneo standout Maxine Esteban launched a fundraiser.
“We heard about the shortage of supplies for the frontliners so we decided to assemble face shields here at home (to be donated to hospitals). Then we heard that many frontliners and communities have scarce resources especially in food, and we felt that what we’re doing is not enough,” she told CNN Philippines.
“I saw ate Hidilyn Diaz do a fundraiser so my sisters and I decided to do our own project hoping to raise funds and buy rice for the frontliners and affected communities,” she added.
The 19-year-old started the fundraiser called ‘A Small Thing Goes A Long Way’ with her siblings last April 10. She said they have now raised ₱500,000 including 50 pieces of Uratex COVID-19 pillows.
Beneficiaries of Esteban’s project include UST Hospital, UERMMMC, National Children’s Hospital, Pasig City Children’s Hospital, and National Bureau of Investigation, as well as the affected communities in San Juan City.
The UAAP Season 81 Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player bared they are also planning to sell the paintings that she and her sisters made to help the cause.
“The project is still ongoing and we are hoping to receive more donations. We plan to put 10 of our paintings for auction/sale and donate all proceeds to the project. These paintings were made by me and my sisters during the quarantine period,” she said.
According to Esteban, the fundraiser will continue until there are donors.
“We still want to raise more funds because we heard that there are many Filipino brothers and sisters still in need so we should not stop thinking of ways to help,” she said.
Here are ways to donate:
Bank: BDO Wilson St. Greenhills
Account number: 6580077300
Account name: Maxine Isabel Esteban
G-Cash
Cellphone number: 09175284329
Paypal
Email: honneywell.redenvelope@yahoo.com
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