Research is finding that being kind and giving to others can make our lives feel more meaningful.
There is a Chinese saying that goes: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”
Living in a country with a flourishing economy like Australia, we often forget how well off we are. We don’t know what it’s like to live in poverty. We forget that in other countries the struggle is real. In the Philippines, 1 in 2 people live on less than US$2.50 – which is barely enough to put food on the table.
Alecto helps families living in poverty in the Philippines
One of the best ways of helping the poor is to provide small loans to families so they can build a small business. Small amounts can make a huge difference.
Alecto has financially supported a community impact fund from Opportunity International to help people from Kadayacan, located in the Phillipines in the Aurora region.
Opportunity International is very organised and well structured in the way they are helping the poor. We love donating money to their projects because we frequently get updates on the actual impact of our contribution and it gives us a sense of joy and meaning when we see people being lifted out of poverty.
Priscilla’s Story
Priscilla and her family live in the Maria Aurora region of the Philippines, the most populous part of the province of Aurora. She lives five kilometres outside the nearest major town in the community of Kadayacan with her husband Benny, their three children and grandchildren.
Priscilla owns a business in coconut dealing and travels to sell her products in large cities such as Manila and Tarlac. Travelling is difficult as the bridge into Kadayacan is still under construction, but Priscilla persists and sells produce in local markets.
“I want to say thank you for trusting us and helping us to improve our lives.”
Priscilla, Kadayacan
With a small loan, Priscilla was able to expand her business by buying more produce to sell in local markets. As her business has grown, she has also been able to hire three employees, a driver and two labourers. In this way, Priscilla is also helping others in her community to break the cycle of poverty. With her increased income, Priscilla has had more opportunities open to her and has been able to make a better life for her family.
Priscilla hopes that her business will continue to grow. Now she earns enough to cover her family’s daily expenses and can pay her bills on time. With their new-found financial security her children know they can finish their studies. With an education, Priscilla hopes her children and their families will have better lives in the future.
Learn more about Opportunity International’s great work an read more stories like Priscilla’s.
Inspired to help?
Would you like to help transform lives as well?
Head over to Opportunity International’s website where you can make a donation.
Your gift helps families in poverty to grow their own small business. Your donation can help provide small loans to families in need so they can grow small businesses, earn regular incomes and free themselves from poverty.