Brazilian children sing in tribute to Filipino children

"We wish you, Filipino children, that your lives will go back to normal as soon as possible and that you may have a happy Christmas. Do not lose hope."

The Dom Bosco Sanctuary, in Brasilia - the Federal District, welcomed on the evening of December 17 a Christmas concert in solidarity with the Philippines that was recently hit by a strong typhoon affecting over 10 million people. The concert was performed by Totus Tuus Coral in partnership with Caritas Brazil.

Paulo Bittencourt, the choir’s founder, said the initiative came from the group itself composed of children 8-13 years. "In a time when news of tragedies, crimes and the like are widely broadcasted, we see here children taking the opposite position, moved by a noble sentiment of compassion. With this gesture, they respond to the duty of solidarity with the Filipino people, especially the children of that Country."

The idea of performing a Christmas concert in solidarity with the Filipino children came from David Dorea de Melo, a nine-year old Brazilian boy, while watching the news on the tragedy; he was greatly moved and quickly tried to mobilize his group [the Coral Totus Tuus] to conduct this concert. "I see that we help many people... And I feel good knowing that we can help others."
Over one hundred people attended the event, including members of the Philippine Embassy in Brasilia. Third Secretary and Vice Consul Eric P. Valenzuela represented Ambassador Eva G. Betita. "We have witnessed and continue to witness great gestures of support and solidarity from the Brazilian people. Surely the Filipino children will be very happy to learn that across the globe, Brazilian children are thinking of them and their well-being and are singing songs for them," Mr. Valenzuela said.

An initial check donation from the proceeds of the show was handed out to Caritas Brazil during the concert.

To know the actions that are already being performed by Caritas Network in the Philippines CLICK HERE

Watch the video and see the photo gallery of the event.

Source: Cáritas Brasileira (translated and adapted) Date accessed: 23 Dec 2013