For 20 years, the St. Charles Borromeo Philippine Medical Mission
(SCBPMM) organization has been aiding thousands of poor people in the
Philippines. It began Aug. 15, 1999, with the approval of then pastor Father
Gerry Creedon.
But many of the volunteers are reaching retirement age.
“We are looking for young Filipinos to come in and take over,”
said Maricel Bretault, cofounder of the group. “We have two or three young
people who have expressed an interest, but we need more.”
Bretault said it is incredible they reached the 20th year of
ministry.
“We never expected to reach this milestone because our primary
cofounder, Celia Coronado, passed away in 2006, seven years after we launched
the ministry. We were able to go on and proceed with the mission and the work.”
In that time, the group has worked with several partner
organizations in the Philippines, including The Foundation of Our Lady of Peace
Mission that became its first partner, followed by the Religious of the Notre
Dame Missions, Childhope Asia Philippines, Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes Memorial
Foundation, ANAWIM Lay Missions Foundation and Tulay ng Kabataan (Bridge for
the Youth).
SCBPMM has raised $1.5 million, with nearly 100 percent
distributed to partners to support their feeding centers; shelters for street
children and homeless elderly men and women; a hospital for the poor; a mobile
health clinic for poor communities; and training programs on basic health and
nutrition. It has also helped provide financial assistance to victims of
natural disasters such as the destructive typhoons in 2009 and 2011.
“We provide the funds to partners who conduct medical missions to
poor communities or provide help to victims of natural disasters or to support
existing health related programs for the benefit of malnourished children and
elderly,” Bretault said. “Volunteers are welcome to go to the Philippines and
visit the partner organizations. Most volunteers are Filipino Americans though
there are several Americans, as well. They visit the aided communities on their
trips to the Philippines.”
Bretault said SCBPMM awarded a $20,000 grant to Cancer Warriors
Foundation in the province of Batangas, which supports the treatment and
medical care of poor and disadvantaged children with cancer. The special grant
was made in memory of Coronado, who succumbed to cancer in 2006.
SCBPMM celebrated its anniversary with a reception for donors,
volunteers and supporters for the last 20 years at St. Charles Borromeo Church Aug.
17. It featured performances by Filipino musicians, line dancing and
dinner.
Find out more
Contact St. Charles Borromeo Medical Missions at
[email protected].
