AHK News

Spreading Christmas Cheer: Nikolaustag for a Cause at Tahanang Walang Hagdanan

10.12.2024

The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) once again poses as St. Nikolaus this season, in cooperation with the organization Tahanang Walang Hagdanan (TWH)--roughly translated as “House with no Steps”, spreading Christmas cheer to persons with disabilities (PWDs). 

It is another Christmas Season and yet, GPCCI continues to make it merrier each year. This time, GPCCI’s Nikolaustag focused on persons with disabilities and able-bodied individuals from Tahanang Walang Hagdanan (House with No Steps). 

Mr. Christopher Zimmer, GPCCI Executive Director, opened the event by thanking our Members and Sponsors, as well as wishing the TWH community a meaningful holiday season. This was then followed by Mr. Felix Gonzalez Jr., TWH President, who gave a heartfelt message to GPCCI for being there with TWH to celebrate the season and invited the members present to enjoy the event GPCCI has in store. 

TWH welcomed the guests with a tour of the facilities such as: a wood workshop for toys, educational materials, and corporate souvenirs; a metal workshop specialized in producing wheelchairs and other equipment; a pharmaceutical packaging station for tablets and medical supplies; and a textile workshop that produces customized eco-friendly bags. 

Activities later focused on the Filipino tradition of “palaro” or games such as charades and a relay with PWDs, GPCCI staff, and sponsors coming together to participate in the tradition. The event ended with a gift-giving activity, where 100 individuals received Noche Buena packages, medicine packs, hygiene kits, and lunch. 

We would like to thank our partners AllianzPNB Life Insurance Inc., TÜV Rheinland Philippines Inc., Antrak Philippines Transport Solutions Corporation, Pacific Rim Innovation and Management Exponents, Inc. (PRIMEX), Zeaborn Marine Services Philippines Corp., and our partner German Club Manila who helped make this event possible. Should you wish to extend support to the cause of TWH, please get in touch with us. 

May the joy of the TWH community be a reminder that the spirit of giving will always bring joy to those who need it, regardless of the season. Happy Holidays!