Rotorua people share supplies and memories with Filipinos in need

Steve Holmes with a group of children in Angeles City. Photo/Supplied

Four locals have recently returned from spending time helping and making special memories with people in need in Angeles City in the Philippines.

Steve Holmes, Bobby Howard, Leanne Hammond and Joel King-Hazel left on March 19 and were there for three weeks.

The team, named Golden Heart, spent time feeding, clothing and meeting the needs of people in the city.

Steve says the team did some of the same things the Golden Heart group did last year.

"We did some relationship building with a lot of the children in the slum areas."

He says the team played a lot of sports with the children because their huts were around a basketball court.

The group brought a heap of sports gear and food for the children and their families, he says.

A child in Angeles City is enjoys some sports gear. Photo/Supplied

Steve says many of the children had nothing, but still appeared to be happy.

"They feel lucky if they have a ball to throw around or a shirt to put on their back. If they can find a puddle to play in they are in heaven."

He says the trip shows the privilege in New Zealand, but also highlights how some Kiwi families are dealing with the same things.

The team also spent a lot of time around the city feeding people.

"A lot of awesome relationships and communication happened through that."

There is also a church over there they connect with, and would sometimes go out with them to help with their ministry in Angeles City, he says.

Steve says the team was set on doing something for the women working in the red light district.

A highlight of the trip for him was putting on a buffet lunch for a group of women, with a local restaurant getting on board.

"We wanted to treat them to an afternoon where they felt valued, respected and treated like human beings.

"The girls all went away with a full belly and jewellery, because we wanted them to know they were special.

"It was quite emotional. They were really appreciative."

He says hosting the buffet lunch was out of the ordinary for the Golden Heart group.

"I think, while we were only there for a few weeks, things like that are long term. I believe that will stay in the memories of these girls."

One of the children in Angeles City enjoys a slice of watermelon. Photo/Supplied

Steve says Golden Heart is looking to take another group to the Philippines next year.