To have a home that nurtures growth and development, and is safe, is the inherent right of every individual. And yet, with majority of the Philippine population living below the poverty line, this is a fundamental right that is not obtained by many. A great number of Filipinos struggle without a permanent roof under their heads to call their home, or do have a home yet is lacking in the basic amenities that would provide them an adequate standard of living, such as electricity. Without light in every Filipino family’s home, numerous facets of their lives are affected. That is why, when we give them light, in many ways, we believe we give them back their lives.
Recognizing the contribution of light in every individual’s quality of life, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf celebrated Earth Day by partnering with Liter of Light, a global, grassroots movement committed to providing affordable, sustainable light to people with limited or no access to electricity. Customers of all ages acted as solar engineers by building their own solar-powered lamps for a day, in the hopes of giving the precious gift of light to those in need.
After the workshop, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®’s own Team Members hiked to bring the newly-built solar powered lamps to the Dumagat tribe’s village in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. Their visit gave them the opportunity to witness first-hand the life-altering impact their initiative made on the community. “Light is so valuable. Without it, it is impossible for us to do anything at night. Since we don’t have electricity, we sleep early. We can’t work and the children cannot study,” Councilor Michael Fernando shared. The community was overcome with gratitude for the solar powered lamps they received. “We are so grateful for the lights you have given us. This will always serve as a symbol of light in our hearts and minds,” expressed the community’s Chieftain, Rodolfo Bendebel.
Seeing the difference a light can make in the lives of others,
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was moved to launch SolarSaturdays, a series of events that gives customers the opportunity to build their own solar powered lamps for only Php 1,000 at select stores every Saturday. Each lamp will provide a renewable source of light for an impoverished Filipino family’s home, changing the way they will see and live for years to come. At the end of the campaign, all lamps collected will be delivered by The Philippine Roadtrip and Liter of Light to communities in far-flung and off-grid areas around the Philippines.
Be the light by giving the gift of light. Email the caringcup@coffeebean.com.ph to reserve a slot. SolarSaturdays will happen on September 3 at Ortigas Park, September 10 at Kidzania in Bonifacio Global City, September 17 at Convergys on Ayala Avevue, and on September 24 at the U.P. Ayala Land Techno Hub.
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