FITNESS FIRST GAWAD KALINGA VILLAGE RISES IN CAPIZ
24 Aug 2018
Fitness First, one of the world’s leading health and fitness companies, recently turned over 22 houses in Tapaz, Capiz to families affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Done in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, the Fitness First Gawad Kalinga Village signifies the company’s commitment to give back to the community in which they operate.
Fitness First is guided by five core values, which capture how every member of the organization can inspire people to go further in life. One of the five core values of Fitness First is ‘We Care,’ and it was brought to the fore when Typhoon Yolanda hit Central Luzon last November 8, 2013.
Fitness First is guided by five core values, which capture how every member of the organization can inspire people to go further in life. One of the five core values of Fitness First is ‘We Care,’ and it was brought to the fore when Typhoon Yolanda hit Central Luzon last November 8, 2013.
Fitness First immediately mobilized to provide support to all those affected. Fitness First clubs around country became drop off zones for employees and members todonate food, clothing and water. Members, through the group exercise classes, were also encouraged to give cash donations to the Philippine Red Cross.
As a company, Fitness First Philippines allowed employees to volunteer in relief centers to assist in the packing of supplies during company time. This encouraged employees to further extend support during their free time. Management and staff unanimously decided to forego the company Christmas party last 2013 and the budget, close to one million pesos, was added to the global Fitness First fund-raising efforts.
The spirit of giving extended outside the Philippines. Leading by example, regional and global directors were the first to reach into their pockets and contribute to the relief fund.
Fitness First clubs in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, conducted their own fund raising activities to donate to the Philippines. The global effort managed to raise a total of P3.2M that was in turn donated to Gawad Kalinga for the construction of the 22 houses. “
To the 22 families who will officially take up residence in the Fitness First GK Village from this day onwards, on behalf of the global Fitness First team, I humbly hope that our small contribution will be able to help restore a semblance of normalcy in your lives, and help set you back on course towards reaching your dreams and aspirations,” said Mark Ellis, Country Manager, Fitness First Philippines.
As a company, Fitness First Philippines allowed employees to volunteer in relief centers to assist in the packing of supplies during company time. This encouraged employees to further extend support during their free time. Management and staff unanimously decided to forego the company Christmas party last 2013 and the budget, close to one million pesos, was added to the global Fitness First fund-raising efforts.
The spirit of giving extended outside the Philippines. Leading by example, regional and global directors were the first to reach into their pockets and contribute to the relief fund.
Fitness First clubs in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, conducted their own fund raising activities to donate to the Philippines. The global effort managed to raise a total of P3.2M that was in turn donated to Gawad Kalinga for the construction of the 22 houses. “
To the 22 families who will officially take up residence in the Fitness First GK Village from this day onwards, on behalf of the global Fitness First team, I humbly hope that our small contribution will be able to help restore a semblance of normalcy in your lives, and help set you back on course towards reaching your dreams and aspirations,” said Mark Ellis, Country Manager, Fitness First Philippines.
Fitness First has been a long time partner of Gawad Kalinga. When the Asia Momentum, an annual convention of all senior managers in Asia, was held in the country last 2008, participants helped build houses in a marginalized community in Taguig. Since then, Fitness First Philippines has always considered GawadKalinga as a beneficiary of their fund-raising activities.
related articles
