One person can make a big difference and no one knows that better than Filipino expat Haven Hamilton Villapando.
The former primary school teacher, who currently works at Future Centre for Special Needs, is busy raising funds for schoolchildren in his home country through his initiative Hearty Art Project, or HA-P.
“The mission of the Hearty Art Project is to empower and inspire our community to save our planet while raising funds to help a chosen foundation back in the Philippines,” says Villapando. “I think of it like Save the Earth, Help a child.”
With the help of colleagues, friends and students, Villapando collects recyclable materials including plastic bottles, caps, coat hangers and ring pulls and transforms them into unrecognisable pieces of art.
“I have been an advocate of saving Mother Earth, especially recycling since I was a student in the Philippines. Growing up in our province made me appreciate the beauty of nature.”
After winning a high school recycling competition, Villapando has made it his mission to help the planet in his own small way. Eager to give back to others, he saw an opportunity to use his talents to support needy children.
Villapando aims to complete at least one art project each week before selling it through Facebook. In the past year, pieces have included a “coloured feathers” table top sculpture made of bottles and magazines; a biology-inspired ‘stomata lamp’ made of plastic bottles; and golden candle holders made from disposable spoons and old tea light holders. Funds raised will be used to put together school supply kits comprised of bags, crayons and pencils that will be sent to the CFC Cornerstone, a programme of Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) Foundation in the Philippines. Aside from helping the children, Villapando hopes to inspire others to use their three Ts – time, treasure and talent – for a good cause.
Residents who are interested in supporting the HA-P can purchase art from Villapando’s Facebook page or donate school supplies.
For more information visit: www.facebook.com/havenhamiltonv
