AROUND 20 children with autism were filled with smiles as SM Cares, in partnership with the Autism Society of the Philippines-Cagayan de Oro Chapter (ASP-CDO), conducted a Sensory-Friendly Santa Meet and Greet, a day before the celebration of Christmas to spread the spirit of joy among these kids with special needs.
Held at the ground floor of SM CDO Downtown Premier, the activity, which was simultaneously done with other SM stores in the Philippines, consisted of picture taken with Santa and gifts given to the 20 children.
“Given a special time with Santa, we’re so grateful na ang SM nag initiate ingon ani nga activity, very supportive of this community,” Angie Abellanosa, the outgoing president of ASP-CDO, said.
ASP-CDO is a non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. One of their advocacies is to eradicate the stigma associated with autism.
“Awareness is there already. So ang stigma is minimized unlike before na if they see a kid getting into a fit, all eyes are on the kid and they’d say that this kid has bad parents, they are not doing anything,” Abellanosa said.
“But now, not really okay but much better than we had before,” she added.
Abellanosa also expressed her gratitude to SM Cares for initiating the activity and the support they have been giving to the group.
“Part kasi ng advocacy of this organization (ASP-CDO) is to eradicate the stigma sa mga autistic kids. So we want to be part of that,” Arlie Mae Macalam, marketing officer of SM CDO Downtown, said.
“We started with this one and hopefully next year maging ganito rin,” she added.
Abellanosa and Macalam also shared that another activity dedicated to children with autism will be done at SM CDO Downtown Premier on the third week of January, the Angels Walk for Autism.
“Actually, we have partnered na with this organization for the Angels Walk. Every year dito sila naghe-held ng event nila,” Macalam said.