UFO donates $500 to Karidat

United Filipino Organization former president Bong Malasarte, right, hands a $500 check to Karidat Social Services executive director Lauri B. Ogumoro during a turnover ceremony last Friday at the non-profit’s office in Chalan Piao. (Mark Rabago)

Following its long-held practice, the United Filipino Organization donated $500 to Karidat Social Services in a turnover ceremony last Friday at the non-profit’s office in Chalan Piao.

UFO former president Bong Malasarte presented the check to Karidat executive director Lauri B. Ogumoro.

“We chose Karidat because Karidat helps everybody, especially our kababayans affected by the recent fire in Susupe. Instead of UFO giving it directly to the fire victims, we always give it to a foundation like Karidat so the foundation is the one who distributes them,” said Malasarte.

He said the $500 is part of the proceeds from events that UFO organizes throughout the year.

“Our fundraising events, especially the Paskong Pinoy, is where part of the money comes from. The money also came from the sponsorships we raised from our annual basketball leagues,” added Malasarte.

Ogumoro thanked Malasarte and the entire UFO organization. “These guys are always giving us money. It’s just wonderful. Every little bit counts but these guys are a dependable donation source as they always give to us every year. We really appreciate their support,” she said.

The former UFO president, who made the donation in behalf of UFO president Marlon Regaton, also said he feels for the victims of the recent Susupe fire.

“Good thing no lives were lost and only material possessions were lost. I knew of one victim who lost his entire guitar collection,” he said.

Ogumoro said that Karidat stands ready to help those in need and remembers that quite a few victims of the Susupe fire did come to their office at the VSS Sablan Building to get some assistance.

“Anybody who wishes to be helped, we do help. A lot of people lost everything even their documents,” she said, adding that she heard that one victim, a construction worker, lost his entire tools set that he uses for work.

Karidat is a Northern Mariana Islands social services organization. It operates under the Archdiocese of Chalan Kanoa and was originally a project of now Bishop Emeritus Thomas Camacho. Karidat also runs the Guma Esperanza, which is a shelter for abused women and children.

Karidat is located in the 1st floor of the VSS Sablan Building, Chalan Piao. For more information about Karidat, call 234-6981.