From the Heart
Orphan care in China has changed tremendously over the past three decades, and the worldwide Covid pandemic has added a new challenge. As you know, adoptions in China have been halted since the beginning of Covid. But those adoptions brought needed supplemental funds to the orphanages. Beyond the required fees, many families would donate supplies to their child’s orphanages. All that has stopped. In urban areas, charities, businesses, and individuals still donate to support orphans. But in rural areas, poverty limits donations.
Philip Hayden Foundation established incredible collaborations in China over the years. We recently reached out to some of our partners to see if there were any tangible needs we could meet. One orphanage asked for hair clippers and new bedding. These items are not essential, but they do improve the quality of life for the children in their care.
Thank you, Philip Hayden Foundation, and your very generous donors for providing much-needed bedding and hair clippers for these very deserving children!
Orphanage Caregiver
Our contact in China notes, “The pandemic itself, as well as supply chain issues related to the pandemic, have had a dramatic impact on orphanages. Many are struggling to get basic items needed for the children, let alone obtaining items that are not deemed essential. So, while bedding and hair cutting supplies may not qualify as essential, they are very much needed to provide a safe, healthy space for the children where all their needs can be met.”
New bedding was delivered to this care facility, and the caregivers were overjoyed. Beyond the benefit of fresh bedding, knowing that others still care for orphans is encouraging. One orphanage caregiver commented, “We cannot thank Philip Hayden enough for their generous donation of bedding and hair clippers! Thanks to you all, many children will be able to sleep in a clean bed tonight after getting a much-needed haircut!”
In an effort to protect the privacy of the children in care, China has restricted sharing of photos. The above photo is of Simeon at Shepherd’s Field many years ago. But PHF continues to support orphans in China with your generous donations. Thank you!
Pass the Pizza, Please
Pizza parties are always fun – whether in the United States or China, especially when you are six years old and can make your own pizza! Beyond fun, creating your own pizza can also be therapy. In fact, it can inspire hope – a glimpse of ability instead of disability.
Four families from different towns and villages came by train to participate in our pizza party therapy. Each family had a child with disabilities and needed encouragement. At home, these impoverished families lack access to therapy, much less anything as interesting as a pizza party. It was their first time ever participating in something like this.
The boys and girls, who were just six years old, put on their aprons and hats and were almost immediately transformed into little creative pizza chefs. They rolled out the dough and spread it on the tomato sauce and cheese. Then they cut up the veggies and sausages. Some of the little chefs were missing fingers, but their little newfound friends gave them some assistance with the cutting. Seeing them helping each other out was a beautiful moment- genuine teamwork and a sense of belonging.
Encouragement for Parents, too
The therapy wasn’t just for the kids. The parents also received some much-needed support and encouragement. They were able to see what their kids were able to do, which was something beyond any of their expectations. It was rewarding for the occupational therapist, counselor, and other team members to see the faces of the kids and their parents light up with so much laughter and joy. Not to mention the pizzas themselves. The little chefs each shared their pizza creations with each other. They even had enough for leftovers to take home.
We have heard from many parents of children with disabilities. They love their children deeply, but the challenges of everyday living can be overwhelming. What a blessing to encourage these families who have chosen to raise their children with disabilities!
Pizza party therapy is one of the ideas that we want to share with other NGOs and organizations working with families of children with special needs. They, too, can experience the many benefits of teaching the kids and their parents and supporting and strengthening the family unit. Philip Hayden Foundation continues to help children with disabilities and their families in China and worldwide. Your donations to medical care will provide this therapeutic activity training to local charities, helping to strengthen families.
Healing Homes Bring Hope
The Philip Hayden Foundation continues to provide financial support for medical care to New Hope Foundation Healing Homes. We are sharing about Daphne, one child in their care, with their permission, this month.
Daphne came to the New Hope Healing home just over a year ago, and they have loved getting to know her sweet personality. At just five years old and full of curiosity, she is observant, cheerful, and enthusiastic!
She enjoys following the nurses on their rounds and marveling at their interesting tasks. Whenever she can go outside, she shows her excitement by jumping and skipping all the way to the playground! Like most children her age, she loves to zoom down slides, push toy cars, and race bicycles. Her fearlessness inspires us!
When Daphne spends time inside, you can often find her in the ball pit playing with a friend or gleefully rocking in her favorite rocking chair. She often shows what a good friend she is by never missing a chance to greet her loved ones with a “good morning” or “good evening” at the door. Her nannies say she is making leaps and bounds in her communication skills, regularly learning new words. We couldn’t be prouder!
Daphne was born with a nervous system condition, but her resilience and bravery inspire those around her every day. It’s impossible not to see her joy shine through when she twirls her skirt or picks flowers in the park (two of her favorite activities). She’s silly, kind, and has a particular sweet tooth for birthday cake—all reasons to love her even more!
We are grateful to have this time to get to know Daphne, to come alongside her, watch her discover the world around her, provide comfort, and celebrate every win.
Your donations to PHF for medical care provide life-changing care for Daphne and her friends!
Humanitarian Aid for China
Last month, Philip Hayden Foundation launched a campaign to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Mexico and China. Your immediate generous response to our request was so encouraging!
The donations for China exceeded $1000, which will be used to provide Nestle stage 3 formula for an orphanage. The formula provides essential nutritional support for orphans with disabilities. In addition, PHF will purchase diapers for the orphanage.
We received other donations, more than $3000, that can be used in either China or Mexico – wherever the most significant need occurs. Your donations are also encouraging to our partners and the recipients in both countries. PHF is building trust with local charities when we can immediately fulfill their needs. Would you consider donating this month for humanitarian needs?