SM and Eye-Able® Pioneers Digital Accessibility in the Philippines

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SM Cares is taking a significant step towards digital inclusivity by launching Eye-Able® on the SM Supermalls website. Starting October 21, users will experience a more accessible, user-friendly interface designed to enhance browsing for individuals with visual impairments or those requiring digital assistance. This initiative underscores SM's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital world.

SM Supermalls is proud to continue its efforts to make every platform, whether physical or digital, inclusive and accessible. The launch of Eye-Able® is part of the mall's ongoing initiative to support communities through SM Cares.

Eye-Able® introduces features such as text resizing, contrast adjustments, and screen readers, all designed to help users with special needs navigate the site with ease. By integrating Eye-Able®, SM Supermalls aligns with global standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), enhancing digital access and promoting inclusivity across its digital platform.

Eye-Able® is built upon the idea that digital accessibility is a fundamental right, ensuring that "individuals with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the internet.” Through this innovative digital solution, Eye-Able® envisions "An Internet for All."

By integrating Eye-Able® into its digital offerings, SM Supermalls is not only improving how individuals interact with its website but is also joining a broader movement towards making the digital world accessible to everyone. This reflects SM's commitment to inclusivity across all its platforms, aiming to ensure that every customer, regardless of ability, can enjoy a seamless and engaging online experience.

Super Grannies (Senior Citizens) using Eye-Able® feature of the website to help them see the locations using a bigger font

Eye-Able® is not only a tool for persons with disabilities (PWDs) but also benefits senior citizens and anyone who may find navigating the internet challenging. For example, “Super Grannies” (elderly users) can now easily adjust font sizes for better readability. Younger users and people with different accessibility needs will also find Eye-Able® helpful in creating a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience.

SM Employees using Eye-Able® Color correction feature – proving that accessibility is for ALL

“When we say SM Supermalls is a mall for all, we mean it in every sense—both physical and digital. We are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, breaking down barriers and making the online world accessible to everyone” said Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs and Senior Citizens. “We're proud advocates of digital accessibility as a fundamental right, ensuring that everyone can navigate and enjoy our online spaces with ease."

A customer viewing the SM website and using the Eye-Able® Read Aloud feature

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, championing programs that focus on communities and the environment. These include initiatives for Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, and the SM Bike-Friendly initiative.

Experience the newly accessible SM Supermalls website beginning October 21. Visit www.smsupermalls.com to explore our commitment to creating an inclusive digital experience for everyone.

Pop Into the Holiday Spirit with SM B-Pop Bears of Joy

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The SM Bears of Joy charity project aims to encourage generosity and spread holiday cheer to children in need this Christmas.

SM Cares, together with SM Supermalls and Toy Kingdom, returns with their annual Christmas charity project, the SM Bears of Joy.

This year, SM debuts their very first B-POP (short for Bear Pop) group, the Bear Pop Squad. This new group of idols captures the hearts of fans with the relatable stories they share, mirroring their fans’ daily experiences.

The Bear Pop Squad aims to inspire the same sense of community displayed by pop fandoms as mallgoers join in sharing a bear to a child in need for every purchase

Meet BIN, the group’s groovy dancer, who also enjoys nature hikes with his friends and volunteering at coastal clean-ups in his spare time

EYA’s strong personality comes out in her rap verses, but deep down, she’s an angel who loves to bike, enjoys payday sales, and has a heart for dogs (even if she’s allergic to them)

The squad’s maknae, ACE, is a vocal powerhouse, who makes friends with people both in and out the industry, and loves to volunteer at children’s hospitals

RINA is the group’s beloved leader, always ready to lend a hand to help those in need and a Grandma’s girl who always takes on the household chores

This collection features four brand-new designs that draw inspiration from the K-POP and P-POP community, and highlights the unity and togetherness in fan culture when it comes to celebrating shared interests.

SM’s Bear Pop Squad hopes to encourage customers and mallgoers to celebrate both the love of friendship and community as displayed by pop fandoms, and share that with children in need this Christmas season.

Buy one bear and donate another for only 250 pesos! The Bear Pop Squad will be available starting November 15 until December 25, 2023 in select SM Supermalls and Toy Kingdom branches, and can also be purchased through SM Online and Toy Kingdom Online Stores.

SM Cares Advocates for Creating Safe Spaces for Breastfeeding with Free to Feed Photo Campaign

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In celebration of National Breastfeeding Month this August, SM Cares continues to promote breastfeeding awareness by mounting the “Free to Feed: Championing Safe Spaces for Breastfeeding at SM” photo contest and exhibit.

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The SM Cares Free to Feed photo contest invites photo enthusiasts and mothers to capture their breastfeeding moment anywhere within SM Supermalls.

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The Free to Feed photo contest is open to all photo enthusiasts. Interested participants are invited to submit original photos featuring breastfeeding mothers in any area within any SM mall, such as the food court, car park, tenant areas and more, but most especially the designated breastfeeding station, until August 21, 2023. Winning entries will be announced on August 28 at SM City North EDSA, and will be awarded as much as Php 30,000 in prizes. Participants may send their entries through this link: www.bit.ly/FreeToFeedAtSM

80 SM malls nationwide provide a breastfeeding station as a safe space for mothers to continue nourishing their child.

A photo exhibit roadshow and forum will be held throughout August to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting mothers in their breastfeeding journey. Visitors can view the Free to Feed exhibit during the following schedules at these participating SM malls: August 10-20 at SM City Davao, August 15-21 at SM City Pampanga, August 16-20 at SM City Dasmariñas, August 19-24 at SM City Iloilo, and August 28 to September 2 at SM City North EDSA.

As the World Health Organization focuses on promoting breastfeeding in the workplace, SM Supermalls provides accessible and safe spaces for nursing mothers through 80 breastfeeding stations available for customers and employees across SM malls nationwide.

SM Mall Nurses conduct sensitivity training sessions for frontliners to help create a welcoming environment for breastfeeding mothers.

“We came up with this photo competition and exhibit because we believe in the importance of advocating breastfeeding awareness among Filipinos and encouraging safe and welcoming spaces for mothers,” said SM Cares Committee on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers Program Director Atty. Pearl Jayagan Turley. “SM malls are a prime example of such a place where mothers are free to breastfeed anywhere, while also having breastfeeding stations that are fully equipped with anything moms might need to nourish their babies.”

For more information, please visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow SM Cares on www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares

Pocketful of Sunshine: Inspiration through flight, photography

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SM Cares recently helped bring smiles to 31 pediatric patients afflicted with cancer and other chronic illnesses by supporting the Angeles City Flying Club's (ACFC) event "Pocketful of Sunshine," which treated the patients to a whole day of fun activities. The event was held last March 19 at the Angeles City Flying Club's base, Woodland Airpark, in Magalang, Pampanga.

"Pocketful of Sunshine" was led by the Angeles City Flying Club, a non-profit flying club and school established in 1993 that aims to promote recreational ultralight aviation among Filipinos. It was supported by SM Cares, with participation from photography advocacy group FOTOKLASE, Fujifilm Philippines' volunteer photographers, and UP Aviation Society, among others organizations.

All of the participants were from the Kythe Foundation, a non-profit whose goal is to improve the quality of life for hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illnesses. Activities included ultralight and Cessna plane flying together with trained pilots, treasure hunting, kite flying, arts and crafts, and a candy drop on the runway.

In previous years, the ACFC together with the late Adphoto, Inc. founder and ACFC member John Chua held similar projects to share their love for aviation with children who are disadvantaged. A professional photographer himself, Chua also began his advocacy Photography with a Difference in 2010 with SM Cares as a partner, as a way to inspire people with disabilities through photography. Chua’s advocacy aligns with SM Cares’ advocacy of uplifting the lives of persons with disabilities, and after every successful program, a Photography with a Difference exhibit happens in a nearby SM mall.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Aside from the company's Program on Children and Youth, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, PWDs, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

SM Cares and DENR-NCR celebrate World Oceans Day with special plastic waste collection program

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Participants get a free seedling from the Community PanTREE

In observance of World Oceans Day, SM Cares held a special version of its Plastic Waste Collection Program in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) to underscore the importance of adopting sustainable habits such as reducing plastic consumption and planting trees.

Conducted simultaneously in the following SM malls: Megamall, Mall of Asia, North EDSA, Fairview, Southmall, East Ortigas, Marikina, and Marilao, the activity supported DENR-NCR's Community PanTREE, a program that was launched in 2021 with the aim of providing free fruit-bearing seedlings to encourage urban and backyard gardening.

Participants who brought at least 1 kg of plastic waste each got a free seedling from the Community PanTREE. More than 700 kg of plastic was collected through the activity, and has distributed 700 pcs of seedlings across the 8 collection venues.

“The goal of this activity is to help divert plastic waste from ending up in landfills and bodies of water while also giving the participants the opportunity to grow their own trees,” said Director of SM Cares' Program on Environment Engr. Liza Silerio.

SM’s Plastic Waste Collection program has gathered over 16,000 kg of plastic for re-processing since it began in 2021. Currently available in 12 SM malls, it is just one of SM Cares' numerous sustainability projects. The pioneering Trash to Cash recycling market and the E-Waste Collection Programs round up the initiatives on solid waste management. Other projects include the annual Green Film Festival, which promotes environmental awareness; the AweSMSeas project in partnership with the USAID and PRRCI, which promotes responsible plastic waste management; and the International Coastal Cleanup that gathers thousands of volunteers every year, among others.

Through these efforts, SM Cares supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly "SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation," "SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities," "SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production," "SDG 13: Climate Action," "SDG 14: Life Below Water," and "SDG 15: Life on Land."

To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

SM joins Earth Hour 2022; Lights switch-off, Virtual Run part of activity line-up

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As part of the company's sustainability efforts, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, is once again joining the world in observing Earth Hour, with this year’s theme "Shape Our Future," focusing on how we can work together in halting and reversing climate change and nature loss by 2030.

Earth Hour is an annual campaign launched in 2007 by the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that encourages the turning off of non-essential lights as part of energy conservation efforts for the planet. Since its first observance in the Philippines in 2008, SM has been joining the campaign every year, being one of the first in the private sector to support it.

This year, SM will continue to promote the campaign by being one of the official partners of WWF for the Earth Hour Virtual Run, to be held from March 26 to April 22. Aside from this, all SM malls will be joining the light switch-off on March 26 from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

"SM is proud to have been supporting Earth Hour throughout the last 14 years. Every year, we partake in this very important movement because we want to inspire people to action and tell them that no matter how small their contribution is, it will go a long way if we work together," said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM’s Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Head of Sustainability.

“Through Earth Hour, we want to engage over a billion people worldwide and engage decision-makers whether in business, institutions, and governments, to move the agenda of nature up the priority list in the global sphere and in the national agenda. We want people to lend their voices as we're shaping our future, and hopefully, we'll be changing the ending for the positive – for both people and the planet,” said Atty. Angela Ibay, Climate and Energy Program Head of WWF-Philippines

Aside from joining the campaign every year, SM has been active in environmental protection in many ways. For instance, all SM malls are equipped with energy and water conservation facilities. The company also regularly joins tree planting activities, and has waste management initiatives such as Trash-to-Cash, e-waste and used acid lead batteries collection programs, and the plastic waste collection program with the Plastic Credit Exchange.

SM has also been investing more in renewable energy. Eight malls in the country and three in China are now equipped with solar panels, with more to follow in the coming months. SM also pledged to increase its use of renewable energy to 50 percent of its overall energy usage by year-end.

SM City Tuguegarao Downtown Solar Rooftop

SM's other sustainability initiatives include the annual Green Film Festival, promoting environmental awareness among students and the youth through films; the AweSMSeas project, promoting awareness on the negative impact of plastic waste on seas and oceans; and the International Coastal Cleanup joined by thousands of volunteers every year, to name a few.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, supporting initiatives that focus on communities and the environment. In addition to its programs on the environment, SM Cares’ advocacies include programs on women and breastfeeding mothers, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children and youth, and the Bike-Friendly SM Program.

Visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares to learn more.

SM FOUNDATION donates COVID-19 TEST KITS to Mandaluyong City

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Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos receives the donation of COVID-19 test kits from SM Foundation, turned over by SM Supermalls’ Ian Mathay. The 200 test kits worth close to PHP5M, is good for 2,400 tests and is in support of wider access to testing. This forms part of SM Foundation’s donation efforts of over P270M for hospitals and local governments to support the country’s fight against COVID-19. #SMCares

A game of bowling with Best Buddies

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For regular shoppers, it may have been just an ordinary afternoon at the mall, but for Vico, 28, it was a special day to spend a few hours enjoying a game of bowling with his friends from Best Buddies Philippines. The group of friends were at the mall, with other pairs of best friends, for a friendly bowling tournament organized by Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement for one-to-one friendships and inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Best Buddies’ Vico Cham (2nd from right) with (from left) Akio Kawachi, Ralen Tupaz, Ian Borleo, Ryan Poblete, Sachin Mohnani, Nyssa Uy Kua, Gian Mendoza,April Paligsa and his mother Cathy Cham who joined Best Buddies Bowling Game event at SM Megamall Bowling Center.

Photo by Kayla Paligsa

The activity is one of the many initiatives organized by Best Buddies, in partnership with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. During the event, individuals with IDD like Vico, had a fun afternoon hanging out with their Peer Buddies volunteers who committed to spend time, have fun activities, communicate on a regular basis and enrich their lives through friendships with individuals like Vico. 

Catherine Cham, mother of Vico, said that events like the Best Buddies Bowling Game give her son an avenue to socialize and feel he is a regular part of a group. She is very thankful for Best Buddies which she said helped her find a best buddy for Vico.

“His peer buddy is Buboy Palomares. They’ve been friends for 4 years. They used to jog regularly twice a month or watch a movie. They also engage in group activities. With Buboy, Vico was able to find a friend whom he would text regularly. It is really important for parents because it’s really not easy to entrust your child to somebody.” 

“We are very thankful for the support that we have received from our volunteers and sponsors,” exclaims Michelle Aventajado, executive director of Best Buddies Philippines. “Events like these strengthen the friendship between volunteers and individuals with IDD. It’s a great opportunity to promote inclusion, have fun, and enrich the lives of everyone involved in the Best Buddies program.” 

For SM Cares, the event is another opportunity to support and give back to the community. “At SM, we believe that establishing good relations can positively affect and inspire those with special needs. We strive to make every SM Mall, a mall for all, and by supporting activities such as this, everyone can enjoy the same fun and leisure in SM, as anyone would do,” said Engr. Bien Mateo, program director of SM Cares Program on PWDs. 

Best Buddies Philippines is looking into partnering with private entities like SM who can support them in their advocacy and their other programs. It also aims to widen its scope in the next 5 years by establishing Friendship Chapters in more schools nationwide.

To know more about Best Buddies Philippines you may visit www.bestbuddiesphilippines.com, https://www.facebook.com/BestBuddiesPhilippines/, or send an e-mail to bestbuddiesmanila@gmail.com.

To know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares, or send an e-mail to smcares@smsupermalls.com.

SM Share Movement goes to Nasugbu, Batangas The SM Store spreads holiday cheer with new school building, toys

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Smiles as bright as Christmas lights, and laughter that invigorated like Christmas carols—these filled the grounds of the Looc Elementary School in Nasugbu, Batangas as The SM Store gave the students there an early Christmas present that is #SoMagical. Staying true to its commitment of bringing joy to communities where it is present, SM recently turned over its 100th school building donation, and The SM Store distributed toys to children. 

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Students of Looc Elementary School celebrate after receiving their new toy from the SM Store’s Share a Toy program.

It was only October 16, but it felt like Christmas morning. The students and teachers of Looc Elementary School could not contain their excitement as they took part in a morning of fun and games, a day before the official unveiling of the two-story, four-classroom new school building. 

Christmas came early

Situated in front of the school’s sprawling grounds that offer the students an unobstructed view of nearby mountains is a covered court. On that day, employee volunteers from The SM Store Batangas, The SM Store Lipa and Savemore Nasugbu worked like Santa’s helpers to transform it into a festive spot, complete with balloons and party tables and chairs. 

SM employee volunteers happily welcome the kids to the Share A Toy activity. 

Christmas comes early for the students of LoocElementary School as an employee volunteer from The SM Store hands out gifts to them. 

Students from Kinder to Grade 2 eagerly lined up, thrilled to witness a lively program and party with their friends and their newfound ates and kuyas. They were treated to fun performances from a magician, clowns, a balloon-twisting artist and a bubble artist. They also had their faces painted with flowers, butterflies, and superheroes. At the end of the program, they were given cuddly plush toys from The SM Store’s Toy Department, clothes from its Children’s Wear section and grocery items from Savemore. Christmas came early for these kids. It was a new and unforgettable experience for the children of Looc, whose families are engaged in farming or are working at nearby resorts. 

Mikko, one of the students of Looc Elementary School, shared how he loved the gift and enjoyed the festivities, which was a rare treat in their school.

“Masaya po ako sa natanggap ko na regalo. Masaya at magandadin ang program kanina, nagpafacepaint pa nga po ako. Minsanlang po kasi may ganito dito sa amin. (I am happy with the gift that I received. I really enjoyed the program. I even had my face painted. It’s not often that we get to enjoy celebrations like this),” Mikko said. 

Dr. Luciana Tulagan, Principal of Looc Elementary, said that this event didn’t just bring joy to the kids but also taught them the value of sharing.

Employee volunteers of The SM Store prepare the plush toys for the gift-giving activity. 

The kids cheerfully cuddle their new plush toys. 

“Malaki pong kaligayahan ang naibigay ng SM dito sa mgamag-aaral ng Looc Elementary School. Dahil sa Share A Toy ngThe SM Store, maimumulat namin sa mga bata na dapat hindilang tuwing Pasko ang pagbibigayan, kungdi lagi. (The SM Store brought great happiness to the students of LoocElementary School. Because of Share a Toy, we can educate the children that sharing happens not only during Christmas, but there are everyday opportunities to do it.) 

#SoMagical Christmas

Christmas cheer fills the air as an employee volunteer of The SM Store and the children of Looc Elementary School smile for the camera after the Share a Toy activity. 

Truly, the spirit of Christmas is in sharing. This Holiday season, The SM Store continues to nurture just that through its Share A Toy campaign. 

“SM values creating a positive impact in the communities where we are present. We are really grateful that SM gave us the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful event and the chance to share the spirit of Christmas through the gift of toys with the kids of Looc Elementary School. This is a memorable experience that we’ll treasure,” said Shelamie Marasigan, Assistant Branch Manager of The SM Store Lipa.

The SM Store is encouraging its generous shoppers to give back and make a kid’s Christmas #SoMagical by donating a new or pre-loved toy at the Share A Toy booth in all The SM Store branches nationwide. For every toy donated, the shopper will get a P50 discount voucher. The campaign runs from November 15, 2019 until December 31, 2019, with toys to be donated to beneficiaries of the SM Foundation.

Magicians captivate the students of LoocElementary School with their bubble show and other tricks. 

These toy donations are a simple but meaningful gift for kids. More than just play items, toys are beneficial to a child’s development according to studies. Toys can help increase their learning retention, stimulate their creativity and imagination, enhance their senses, spur their emotional and social development, and help in developing their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Share A Toy is just one of the ways The SM Store inspires a culture of sharing and purposeful giving among its shoppers. Early this year, it conducted its Share Shoes program and Donate A Book campaign. Since its launch in 2015, The SM Share Movement has already collected more than 1.3 million items which include shoes, school supplies, clothes, toys, disaster kits and hygiene kits, which have been distributed across different parts of the country. 

For more updates about the Share Movement and ways you could donate, visit www.thesmstore.com and follow its social media pages @thesmstore on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Small steps that go a long way The SM Store Share Shoes Program brings joy to kids in Isabela

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Shoes are essential in one’s journey through life, especially forstudents. With a pair of good shoes, they will not only be able to fulfill their daily tasks with ease, but it can also inspire them to work hard and take little steps to achieve their dream. 

Students of Diasan Elementary School in Echague, Isabela celebrate after receiving their new pair of shoes.

For most students in the city, a school bus or a stroll down the sidewalk are their usual commute. But for students in the province, it is a different story. 

Samantha, a student from the Diasan Elementary School, shared the hardships she and her classmates face to reach school. 

“Malayo po ang nilalakad namin ng nakapaa. Madulas po ‘pag umuulan at mahirap, maputik ang daan. ‘Yung mga iba po na nakatira sa may bundok, naglalakad po sila ng malayo. (My classmates and I have to walk a long way to get to our school. When the rainy season comes, the slopes become slippery and dangerous which makes it harder for us. The others who live near the mountain walk even farther),” Samantha said. 

Diasan Elementary School is tucked in the middle of the Barangay Diasan, a remote farming community in Isabela with over 600 residents. Students like Samantha have to walk an hour or more on rough terrain to get to and from school and are sometimes forced to skip classes if the river is swollen due to heavy rains.

Despite the challenges, one would be surprised at the great lengths they are willing to go to for their education. The simple gift of a new pair of shoes will allow them to walk to and back to school in comfort and safety. 

These are the kinds of stories that inspired the SM Store’s Share Shoes program to reach to the community to continue its mission of bringing joy - through the gift of shoes that can help make the journey of the students easier and more comfortable. 

Sharing the gift of new shoes

Most students in Diasan have not set foot in a mall before, let alone a shop selling shoes, so as a treat for the kids, employee volunteers from The SM Store, Savemore and SM Foundationtransformed one of the classrooms into a shoe store. They assisted the kids in choosing and fitting their very own shoes from the display of clogs, sneakers, sandals, flats and slip-ons donated by The SM Store MLC Shoes and Bags, and SM’s retail affiliates Crocs and Simply Shoes.

A volunteer washes the feet of one of the kids to teach him the value of proper hygiene. 

Replicating the shopping experience, an employee volunteer from The SM Store Cauayan assists a kid in fitting her new footwear. 

The employee and community volunteers also set up a “Feet Washing Corner” before the shoe fitting to impart the importance of taking care of one’s feet. The kids could not hide their joy as they selected and tried on their new footwear. 

Apart from receiving new shoes, the kids were treated to fun games and groceries from Savemore. The kids even gamely participated in a Zumba dance number led by The SM Store Cauayan employee volunteers. Wearing their new pairs of shoes, the kids enjoyed the activities knowing their feet were comfortable and secure. 

Taking steps to a brighter future

Samantha said that having a pair of shoes is important to protect their feet from injuries.

“Masaya po ako nu’ng nakita ko ‘yung mga kaibigan ko na suot na nila ‘yung sapatos kasi ‘di na sila mahihirapan maglakad ng isang oras papunta ng iskul (I was so happy to see my friends wearing their shoes because now, they won’t have a hard time walking an hour to school),” Samantha said. 

An employee volunteer from The SM Store Cauayan assists a kid in choosing his new pair of shoes. 

Teacher in charge Domenador Mayuyo Jr. shared that for some of the kids, it was their first time to own a pair of shoes, with many of them walking to school wearing slippers or barefoot. 

“It’s the first time for some of our students to receive a pair of shoes. Having a new pair of shoes is like a dream come true for them. It is a blessing for them to receive new pair of shoes that they can use to go to school,” Mayuyo said. 

Through the gift of new shoes, The SM Store hopes to inspire these kids to take those important steps toward achieving their goals. 

A student of Diasan Elementary School walkshome with his new pair of shoes from The SM Store’s Share Shoes Movement. 

Promoting the culture of sharing and purposeful giving

The shoe donation was also accompanied by a medical mission through the partnership of The SM Store with the SM Foundation, Caritas Philippines and the Diocesan Social Action Center of Ilagan. Residents of the community were able to avail of medical and dental consultations, laboratory works, and had X-ray and ECG examinations, and medicines courtesy of the SM Foundation’s Mobile Clinic, all for free.

An employee volunteer and student beneficiaries bond after the program. 

The activity was a part of the SM Share Movement, a program promoting a culture of sharing and purposeful giving among SM shoppers all year long. Since 2015, the SM Share Movement has collected over 1.3 million donations composed of shoes, clothing, books, school kits, disaster kits and toys.

The SM Store’s Share Shoes program encourages its shoppers to donate brand new and pre-loved footwear not just to help kidswalk safely and reach their desired destinations, but to also inspire them to take important steps toward achieving their goals. 

“We would like to thank all the shoppers and our partners who donated and participated in The SM Store’s Share Shoes Movement. This wouldn’t be possible without you. Given the rough terrain and the challenges that these students of Diasan face just to get to their school, the new pair of shoes is a great help to them,” said Cielito Velasquez, Assistant Branch Manager of The SM Store Cauayan. 

One of the classrooms is transformed by SM employee volunteers into a shoe store to give the kids a shopping experience. 

Through the #SMShareMovement Project, the SM Store remains committed to its promise to give back to communities and to be a partner in their development. Through the simple but valuable gift of shoes, they can continue to be a part of Barangay Diasan’s journey as the children take steps toward a brighter future. 

Find out more about the #SMShareMovement’s quarterly donation drives and ways to contribute to upcoming projects, by liking The SM Store Facebook page and by following @TheSMStore on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

The #SMShareMovement - SM Store's Shoes Campaign helps children takes steps in achieving their dreams

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Shoes are essential in one’s journey through life. 

For less fortunate families and their children, a new pair of shoes will allow them to perform their daily chores in comfort and walk to and back to school in safety. Good shoes can also inspire them to work hard – because with a new pair of shoes, they are not only able to fulfill their daily tasks but are also taking little steps to achieve their dreams. 

A child from Mangyan Elementary School in Bulalacao Town, Oriental Mindoro walking home with her new pair of shoes from the SM Store’s Share Shoes Campaign (Photo courtesy of Caritas Philippines)

Since 2015, The SM Store Share Movement has collected over 900,000 donations composed of shoes, clothing, footwear, book and school kits, disaster kits and toys, which were given to children and families all over the country. This year’s Share Shoes Campaign was able to collect over 40,000 pairs of shoes from their generous benefactors, along with close to 2-million pesos worth of shoes donated by The SM Store, allowing them to reach more kids and inspire these children to take those important steps toward achieving their goals.

The Share Shoes campaign invited shoppers to donate their pre-loved or brand-new shoes to children in need. In partnership with Caritas Philippines and other NGOs, the shoes collected were distributed to Oriental Mindoro and other far-flung communities nationwide.

The SM Store saw how important shoes were to lives of the children. In one of their previous donation turnovers: Rich, 11 years old, took a pair of sandals for his elder sister instead. When asked why, “I still have a pair of shoes,” Rich said, “my sister needs it more.”

These are the kind of stories that inspire The SM Store Share Movement to double their efforts in reaching out to those who are in need of assistance. SM founder Henry Sy envisioned that every Filipino should have their own pair of shoes. It is a passion that blossomed to what is SM today, a company that takes every step to make this vision a reality.

According to The SM Store, this project reminded them of their humble beginnings, milestones, legacy, and promise to help communities be better. After all, The SM Store started out with shoes and they hope to be a part of people’s journeys through life through the gift of shoes.

Over the years, The SM Store has conducted its quarterly donation drive from shoes, to books, toys and hygiene kits for identified poor communities and areas impacted by calamities, through its #SMShareMovement Project.

Find out more about these quarterly donation drives and know how to contribute to upcoming projects, by liking The SM Store Facebook page and by following @TheSMStore on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

SM Cinema, SM Cares and Disney come together to bring The Lion King to Payatas families

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Watching movies has always been a favorite family bonding activity among Filipinos. 

Recently, SM Cinema, SM Cares in partnership with Disney’s through its local distributor Press Play Philippine Inc. invited families from the Payatas community in Quezon City to a special screening of Disney’s The Lion King at SM North EDSA. 

Driven by their shared advocacy to promote positive change in society by collaborating with communities, SM Cinema and SM Cares organized the screening event to cultivate a positive family bonding activity for the members of the chosen community. 

“We always ensure that our corporate social responsibility activities serve catalyst for positive change in beneficiary communities. Today, we take a simple yet significant step to enrich Payatas families’ lives through a wholesome bonding activity.” Ruby Ann O. Reyes, SM Cinema Vice President for Corporate Marketing. 

SM Cinema has always believed in giving Filipino moviegoers an experience that takes movies from reel into reality. With the benefit screening SM Cinema is able to carry out this principle in a more inclusive manner. 

Together with SM Cares and Disney, SM Cinema is able to give the children from Payatas an opportunity experience family moments in the cinema. 

“Today, we were able to carry out a meaningful take on our reel to real campaign. We were able to give Payatas kids an experience they rarely get to enjoy.” Reyes said. 

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility division of SM Foundation. Their programs have several focuses including persons with disabilities, children and youth development, women and breastfeeding mothers, overseas Filipino workers, senior citizens, social entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, disaster resilience, and green campaigns. 

To learn more about the SM Cares initiatives, you may visit them at www.smcares.com.ph or follow /OfficialSMCares on Facebook. For SM Cinema tickets, you may book them through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app. You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates!