Damayan Celebrates Annual Holiday Party and Fundraiser

“Masaya ako sa party kumanta at sumayaw, lalo na nakita ko ang mga ka members ko na  salo salo kami na kumain sa masasarap na pagkain. [Translation: “I was happy at the party, singing, dancing, especially when I saw my fellow members eating delicious food.”

- Ate Alma P., Damayan Worker Leader.

Last month, the entire Damayan community—low-wage domestic workers, trafficking-survivors, children of reunited families, close friends, staff members, and allies—gathered in Elmhurst Baptist Church at Queens, New York to celebrate the “Damayan Annual Holiday Party and Fundraiser.” The community holiday event was composed of: 

  • Multiple jolly singing performances and dancing to celebrate the year and the community;

  • Damayan Executive Director, Riya Ortiz’s, 2023 Damayan Accomplishment Report

  • Testimonies from Trafficking Survivors Alma and Alfredo who recently won their Trafficking-Visas;

  • Fundraising pitches by Damayan Founder Linda Oalican and Damayan Board Treasurer, Raffy Garcia so we can reach our $25,000 fundraising goal for Damayan’s mission;

  • Gift-exchange game for our community members. 

Damayan’s Annual Holiday Party is a pillar event for the whole Damayan community. All parts of the community gathered and celebrated with each other, despite braving through the New York cold, toiling at work, and yearning for our families back in the Philippines. At the Damayan Holiday Party, we focused on the strength and joy of the Damayan community. As we start a new year, please continue to check our page for upcoming community Damayan events in 2024! We have so much more planned. Maligayang holidays sa lahat!

Damayan Migrant Workers Association