J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), the social development arm of Araneta Group, started to turn over donations gathered for families hit by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Abra last July 27.

In a ceremony held at the Gateway Tower lobby on August 23, JAAF turned over to the Red Cross Quezon City Chapter the donations collected from Araneta City employees and customers through Operation R.E.A.C.H (Relief Efforts of Araneta City-zens to Help). Through this program, boxes were placed on the concierge desks of Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza, Gateway Mall, and Gateway Tower for donations to help families affected by the recent strong earthquake in Abra.

JAAF’s Helen Valenzuela and Glenda Carlota handed over the donated bottled waters, canned goods, rice, mats and blankets, face masks, alcohol, and hygiene kits to Red Cross Quezon City Chapter representatives Nick Barry Guttierez, and Michelle Marcelo. Red Cross will be distributing these goods to families settling in evacuation centers. 

Abra is slowly recovering from the disaster with support coming from various government agencies, LGUs, local and international organizations, the private sector, and foundations such as JAAF. It is part of JAAF’s mission to provide immediate relief assistance and meet the basic needs of disaster and calamities-affected communities. 

JAAF believes that giving value and extending a hand to communities, especially in times of calamities, are ways in creating a caring community.