RIYADH, 22 September — At the Nour Al-Maaref International School (NIS) here in Riyadh, Filipino students participating in a program unofficially dubbed the "Kick For A Cause" campaign have to sweat it out and shell out some of their "snack" money.

But they have no regrets.

Now on their fifth week of training, the students are not only learning the basics of judo and karate but also developing their innate sense of selflessness.

Marion B. Vera Cruz, a 6th grader, said the martial arts training itself is "enjoyable" and giving her confidence in facing challenges.

But what makes the activity more meaningful and fulfilling is the sacrifice that they and their trainers have to make.

"The thought that every riyal I voluntarily contribute would help alleviate the sufferings of our less fortunate brothers and sisters at home gives me sense of pride that I could be a healthy contributing member of our society. Indeed, there is joy in giving," she said.

Seventh grader Danya Elora Ocampo said the program has made her prouder of her school because "it looks not only after our welfare but cares for every Filipino."

She said the cooperative effort "would surely help every pupil and every student to become well-disciplined, more sensitive to the needs of others and be grateful of the blessings that God has showered upon us."

Conceptualized in response to the appeal of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) for donations from overseas Filipino groups and individuals, the "Kick For A Cause" program is a collaborative effort between NIS and the Pinoy martial arts group Black Python.

Under the program, Black Python’s instructors are to teach martial arts to students of the community school for free.

In return the students will conduct a fund-raising campaign with help from their parents and teachers for the duration of the training session. The training is conducted every Friday for three months exclusively for the NIS students and some interested parents and teachers. After the training, successful participants will earn their white belts and get certificates of completion.

Thus far, the program has accumulated a total donation of close to a thousand riyals. Voluntary contributions are collected prior to each training session and announced to the participants the total amount of contributions collected. The total collection will then be turned over to PNRC at the end of the training period.

For Frances Sigaya, an 8th grader, participants have "nothing to loss and everything to gain" since the training "will definitely help us develop not only our mental faculties but also physically, socially and morally."

"This is exciting. It makes me feel good that our school is living up to its promise of giving us a ‘holistic’ training," she said.

Infectious

Indeed, the "Kick For A Cause" program is getting more and more exciting, even if it means extra work for Black Python members directly involved.

According to Nick Lozada, Black Python’s public relations officer and one of the instructors in the joint program, the project has also rekindled the "bayanihan spirit" in their members that their 11 chapters in the Central Region of the Kingdom have agreed to pass the hat around, also for the PNRC’s humanitarian program.

Members are also being encouraged to donate blood to the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies here in the Kingdom or when they go home for vacation.

To set an example, Black Python president Boy Macion motored all the way to Manila from his home in Bulacan last month and donated blood to the Red Cross.

Elmer Nagac, also a Black Python member under its Sulay Chapter, gladly joined Macion also shed blood.

"Giving is not all in the form of material things. I am glad that I donated 450 cc of my blood for it will surely save life," said Macion, who is now the proud owner of a PNRC blood donor card and a pin.

Teresita Usapdin, the PNRC’s acting director for fund generation, said individuals who wish to donate blood during their vacation may contact Alejandro Torres, PNRC’s communications manager, at telephone numbers (0063)(2) 527-62-26 or (0063)(2) 527-83-84, local 136 or 135.

For individuals those who wish to make cash donations, they can send it directly to the PNRC’s dollar savings account, No. 2-151-0028-2, Metro Bank and Trust Co., Anda Circle, Port Area Branch.

The PNRC has 86 chapters across the Philippine archipelago, providing service in terms of relief, blood, first aid and rescue, health and welfare.