CHILD Haus celebrates its 21st-year milestone

 

Last October 29, 2023, CHILD Haus celebrated its 21st anniversary at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

An institution founded by ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes, CHILD Haus serves as a beacon of hope for children stricken by cancer. Throughout its history, one consistent major supporter of the establishment has been the Sy family – in its early years, Henry ‘Tatang’ Sy, Sr., and over the last decade, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy continuing the tradition established by his father.

Leading the event were Mr. Sy and ‘Mader’ Ricky, and several individuals and companies who, over the years, have contributed to the well-being of CHILD Haus were invited. Many children, who have been ‘adopted’ by CHILD Haus and now call it home, were also in attendance. The media was present as well, recognizing how establishments like CHILD Haus make a big difference and become the ‘answered prayers’ of so many children and their parents.

Three CHILD Haus stories, featuring Aya, Laura, and Jessa, were turned into video vignettes that highlighted the message of hope and the life-saving work of the organization. While it is easy to describe such events as heartwarming and tear-jerking, it was truly remarkable to witness even the most seasoned press photographers being moved to tears by these videos. This is a clear testament to the profound impact that these testimonials had on the audience at the event.

After CHILD Haus founder ‘Mader’ Ricky's heartwarming welcome, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy took the stage to present plaques of appreciation to the many friends of CHILD Haus whose generous donations have made the organization's life-saving work possible.


Those cancer-stricken kids are ‘adopted’ and provided food and shelter. Until the children are declared cancer-free and/or have completed their treatments and medical procedures, one child and one parent are allowed to live at CHILD Haus. If it’s an infant, both parents can stay. There are presently two CHILD Haus locations - one in Manila, near the Philippine General Hospital, and one in Quezon City.

A longtime supporter and regular visitor to CHILD Haus, Karylle, led the children in a rousing song composed by Karylle’s husband, Yael Yuzon. Then ‘Mader’ Ricky’s daughter sang a rendition of Florante’s ‘Handog’ that had been reworded to fit the sentiments of the children at CHILD Haus. These were two songs that the children had learnt and practiced as a “thank you” to the many guests who have helped make the ‘haus’ a reality.

In the end, both ‘Mader’ Ricky and Mr. Sy acknowledged the significance of this event, which commemorates 21 years of compassion, fortitude, and the spirit of giving and sharing.

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