Builder Deb

I just returned home from a trip to the Philippines where I had one of the most extraordinary experiences in my career and I wanted to share it with you. The purpose of my trip was to participate in Anniversary activities to celebrate our 70th year of business in the Philippines. Our organization decided to take the money that would have been spent on anniversary dinners and public relations events to fund the construction of homes for the homeless. They supplemented these P&G funds with the entire organization donating one day's salary and cancellation of the fancy holiday event they typically have.

Working with a charitable organization, they arranged to build 70 houses for homeless families-- one for each year P&G has been in business there. These houses would be constructed in a way to create a small village in a desperately poor area in Manila. As part of my role, I got to present the first completed houses to 16 homeless families. To see their tears of joy as they accepted not only a new home, but the promise of a better life, was beyond words. I had a hard time holding back my tears. I then spent the rest of the day working with our entire Pilipino organization helping to build homes.

Working side by side with members of families who will receive future homes, we built cement walls, laid stone flooring and painted. Seeing these new brightly colored homes rising up just a few feet from the thousands of cardboard shacks and filth they live is today is beyond words. This contrast of the horror and hope that exists in our world will be with me forever. In my travels throughout Asia, I have seen first hand the depth of poverty that exists in our world. Unlike in the US, the poverty is not neatly tucked away in city sections. In countries like India, Indonesia and the Philippines, it is everywhere.

Seeing the poverty firsthand is far worse than can be imagined-- far worse than cameras can capture. But yesterday I was able to see the hope that can be brought to these people. As you have time over the holidays to reflect, be thankful for all that we have been blessed with, say a prayer for the poor of the world and when you have the opportunity to give of your time, talents and resources, take it. Every little bit, no matter how small it may seem, can make a huge difference in the lives of the poor.

Have the happiest of holiday seasons. My love to all of you. Deb