Education campaign ‘My Dream in a Shoebox’ marks 15th year with return to face-to-face outreach, stronger commitment and partnership

by Excel Dyquiangco / July 25, 2023

After three years of giving ‘dream kits’ to select beneficiaries without physical contact, integrated marketing agency TeamAsia is kicking off its annual education campaign My Dream in a Shoebox (MDIAS) with a return to providing face-to-face outreach in its 15th year.

The campaign, which seeks to support and provide Filipino children with their educational needs, also assures a stronger partnership and renewed commitment for bringing universal access to education especially for children who can’t afford school materials or don’t have access to materials that they need to continue with their education. 

“We are excited to go back to providing dream kits or our actual shoeboxes to chosen communities and beneficiaries, which is how My Dream in a Shoebox started in the first place,” said Bea Lim, managing director of TeamAsia and chief dream builder of MDIAS. “When we started MDIAS, we realized that school children could not continue with their education in public schools because they didn’t have money anymore for school supplies. And so, MDIAS was born and old shoeboxes were repurposed. We had to let go of coming together and giving shoeboxes out because of pandemic restrictions. Now, we are back!”

She added that through TeamAsia’s continuing partnership with Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation —which aims to improve children’s access to education and make it easier for them to go to and stay in school—the agency hopes that the shoebox campaign can help more children continue with their education. 

“The love and devotion that we have for this advocacy is equally important,” said Lim. “Being in its 15th year, you can just expect the many stories that will come from our organizers, partners, or volunteers. I think that that’s what I am most excited about: that we have been advancing this cause for the past 15 years, staying true to our objectives, even through the biggest challenges of the pandemic. We believe in providing universal access to education.”

For Dr. Anton Mari Lim, co-founder of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, there is power in hope and collective action. 

“We have seen how hope and collective action can transform the lives of children and families, creating a ripple effect that touches the entire community,” he said. “Through this partnership, we have been able to provide children with the resources and support they need to pursue their dreams, no matter how big or small. Sometimes all they need is a little help, a little hope and someone who believes in them. This is what TeamAsia and My Dream in a Shoebox do best.”

Dr. Lim added, “As we look towards the future, we are filled with hope and excitement. We know that there is still much work to be done, but we also know that by working together, we can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of Filipino children. We are committed to this mission, and we are so grateful to have partners like TeamAsia and My Dream in a Shoebox by our side. We look forward to continuing this journey together, always holding on to the hope that we can make a brighter tomorrow for all.”

MDIAS aims to raise P250,000 from donations in order to help 10 scholars in each of its 10 partner communities across the Philippines. Donations will be used to cover the costs of the children’s school supplies and hygiene kits with face masks and alcohol.

MDIAS is also raising P150,000 for an e-hub in some of the Philippines’ remotest areas, which will provide kids access to equipment and supplies they need for face-to-face learning, including six computers, a year’s worth of internet service, a printer and printing materials, school supplies, face masks, alcohol, and budget for logistical costs.

If you’re interested to take part in this year’s MDIAS campaign, follow these steps to donate:

1. 1. Visit MDIAS website at shoeboxcampaign.teamasia.com

2. 2. Scroll down and click the ‘Donate Now’ button.

3. 3. Choose which of the causes you would like to donate to: Donate a Dream Kit, Support a Scholar, or Fund an E-Hub. You can also donate to all!

4. 4. If you wish to donate a dream kit, the amount is P3000. To fund an e-hub, you can input the amount you would like to donate and click “Make a Donation.” But if you want to support a scholar or a community, you may choose to donate PHP2,500 or PHP25,000, respectively.

5. 5. Review your cart and hit ‘Proceed to Checkout.’

6. 6. Fill up the billing form, choose your mode of payment, click ‘Place Order’ and you’re done!

“No contribution is too small when the purpose is to be able to help a kid in need,” said Lim. “We can all do our own part—whether it is to just fill up a shoebox, donate money to support a scholar, or even share a post to encourage others to be part of the movement. These are already huge contributions.” 

Be part of My Dream in a Shoebox’s 15th year! Make a donation now and see how small efforts can make a big impact on the youth and the community. To know more about the campaign, visit the website shoeboxcampaign.teamasia.com or contact the organizers via email at shoebox@teamasia.com.

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