#LightTheWorld Giving Machines raise over $32M worldwide since 2017

CEBU CITY – #LightTheWorld Giving Machines raised over $32 million worldwide across 61 locations since the #LightTheWorld initiative began in 2017, and while the Giving Machines were first introduced in the Philippines in 2018 and have since expanded to Davao, Cebu, and Manila, some PHP 700,000 was collected from more than 4,500 donors at machines installed in TriNoma, Ayala Center Cebu, and near the Manila Philippines Administration Office of The Church of Jesus Christ in Quezon City in 2023 alone.

Haide Fajardo, Area Communication and Publishing Director, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bared that The Church also donated PHP 500,000 to each of the six charitable organizations, totaling PHP 3.7 million in nationwide donations.

Fajardo noted that the Giving Machines provide a unique experience, functioning as vending machines with a twist: each purchase is a donation to a local charity partner and the machines allow people to offer immediate acts of service, with 100 percent of each donation supporting the items purchased or similar essential needs.

Cebu joins Davao, Manila in hosting #LightTheWorld Giving Machines

Nearly 100 guests, media, content creators, officials and program partners of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines launched and unveiled on November 16 the 3^rd location to host the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines in Cebu City at the Atrium, Robinsons Galleria, to join the global Christmas initiative following Manila and Davao City hosting.

“Each Christmas season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrates the birth and life of Jesus Christ through the #LightTheWorld initiative, inviting people throughout the world to follow Jesus Christ’s example by caring for others, one by one, throughout the Christmas season,” Elder Michael Strong, Second Counselor, Philippines Area Presidency, The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints told media is press briefing after the unveiling event.

Elder Strong said that unveiling of the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines here in Cebu City marks the beginning of the season of giving for thousands of Filipinos in need nationwide because 100 percent of the proceeds of the Giving Machines in all locations are shared to partner organizations for their respective charitable programs for children, for the needy, for the elderly, and more.

All administrative costs for the initiative are covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Giving Machines are found in over 100 locations worldwide including multiple states in the U.S. as well as in Australia, Mexico, Guatemala and three locations in the Philippines.

Giving Machines beneficiaries

Elder Strong bared that for Manila, the beneficiaries include Caritas Manila, HERO Foundation and Alagang Kapatid Foundation.  For Cebu, they are the Cebu Caritas, Feed The Children, and UNICEF Philippines, while in Davao City, the beneficiaries are Mabuhay Foundation, UNICEF Philippines and Ateneo de Davao University.

On top of these organizations and institutions, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have also funded several selected Humanitarian Projects in 2023 including emergency and disaster response to fire, flooding typhoon, earthquake and oil spill. 

Elder Strong said that The Church provided aid worth nearly one million dollars, assisted over 292,000 people with food, water, hygiene, shelter and essential items. The Church donated over 22,000 relief kits benefitting more than 3M people in regions 1, II and III during typhoon Egay and Falcon Emergency Response.

“We have also provided water, sanitation and hygiene in remote communities; healthcare systems in jails, hospitals and other facilities; Vision care through screening and eye surgeries, wheelchair distribution and training in 10 partnered hospitals and agencies nationwide,” the Elder added.

Education support, implemented in 10 division level and five district level projects of the DepEd alongside 42 individual school projects are also included in the Church’s beneficiaries, with literacy programs in seven school divisions; supplied technology, robotics, science equipment to multiple schools and installed solar electricity in “last mile” schools, Elder Strong shared.

“What makes these vending machines unique is that they provide an opportunity for instant acts of service.  Unlike regular vending machines where patrons purchases items for themselves, these Giving Machines allow individuals to donate directly to benefit others in need,” Elder Strong concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)