UAE | General

Birthday bash with the poor at heart

A Filipino man has combined his birthday celebrations with a fundraising event at Dubai's Creek Park.

  • By Kevin Scott, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:36 December 22, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Supplied picture
  • Randy Berdejo Boco, a 28-year-old secretary, asked every guest to bring a pair of slippers to his party, all of which were donated to destitute children in poverty-stricken areas of the Philippines.

Dubai A Filipino man has combined his birthday celebrations with a fundraising event at Dubai's Creek Park.

Randy Berdejo Boco, a 28-year-old secretary, asked every guest to bring a pair of slippers to his party, all of which were donated to destitute children in poverty-stricken areas of the Philippines.

"I promised myself that I would do something a bit different for my birthday this year. I was surprised that we collected 93 pairs of slippers and even received some cash," he said.

"I was not expecting such a response from my friends. People in the park were amazed at what was going on and asking if the slippers were for sale. They were so happy when they discovered it was for charity; they even wished me a happy birthday and urged me to carry out further philanthropic and meaningful activities."

The guests had a day of fun and took part in games knowing they were contributing to a good cause.

Best picnic outfit

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Everyone was required to wear a pair of slippers and their "best picnic outfit" - the colour themes were baby blue and baby pink.

Prizes were also given to those declared the "best dressed" in their slippers, with separate categories for both men and women.

"Last October, I sent some money to a charity in the Philippines. I am not that wealthy but I can still share a little for a good cause," Boco said.

Have you heard of any such innovative method of raising charity? What is the most intresting thing you have ever donated? How can people be encourged to help those in need? Fill in the form bellow to send your comments.

Your comments


Well done Randy! I had heard from a good dentist friend of mine that on her birthday she will always clean and maintain teeth to all her costumers for free. She is also preparing for neighbours who cannot afford to take their children to the dentist. Children would also come for toys, dresses, food and other materials. She is also in Dubai working.
Alfia
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 16:41

With the global crisis happening, people around the world tend to divert their attention on fixing their own financial dilemmas. In Randy's case, I must say that he put his problems aside for the benefit of helping others, who are in more need than him. Hats off to you Randy! May you be showered with blessings.
Reychell
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 16:28

Keep up the good work Randy! I know you will help a lot of children through charitable institutions. I like the way you think. HAPPY BIRTHDAY...
Mischell
Dubai,Philippines
Posted: December 23, 2008, 15:57

Congratulations Randy and happy birthday. You are such a good person. How I wish to do the same thing on my birthday for charity.
Jessie
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 15:05

Well done "kabayan"! Keep it up. Proud of you.
Stefanie
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 13:39

I am sure that Randy has been inspired and blessed, for the best sign of doing good and continuing to do so is among the many such signs that we sometimes pass by without noticing. The urge within and the continuous flair for accomplishment of unconditional work, whether small or big, is devotion. Hold on to the urge and keep the flame burning, for inspiration needs a warm heart.
Yousuf Sharif
Ras Al Khaimah,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 11:10

I am amazed that somehow even after how hard life is being away from our own country we can still do something to help our own country. I was thinking of donating 100 slippers when I get home after reading this. However, I never thought of doing it while I was still in Dubai. How i wish i was there on your birthday and extend my hand on your fund raising moment. Keep up a good heart bro.
Margel Campaner
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 10:34

Once I came to know that a person was distributing drinks to construction workers during the summer to celebrate his birthday. I told my son to do the same on his birthday and he did. I was very happy about it. I hope people start celebrating their birthdays in this way and make the poor and the needy happy.
Nalini Devakumar
Dubai,U.A.E
Posted: December 23, 2008, 09:56

Bravo to Randy! I think that every country's consulate should allow people to donate certain items that could be distributed within their country's local charities. Items should include things like blankets, slippers, clothes and medicines. The reason why I suggest this is because my family once managed to collect a container filled with items from friends and family to send to Africa. But upon arrival, the African authorities wanted to charge a very large amount of tax on the goods entering the country. Being unable to pay that amount, they confiscated the items!
Behin Ardakani
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 09:41

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