When Allied Insight employees stepped away from their desks for the International Day of Charity, they discovered something powerful: the most meaningful impact happens when we show up in person. From preserving cultural traditions in the Philippines to addressing an animal welfare crisis in Colombia, our teams learned that real change requires more than good intentions.
These stories reflect how Allied Insight has evolved its approach to giving back. What began as a company-wide donation drive has transformed into something deeper—employees rolling up their sleeves, stepping into communities, and discovering that presence, effort, and genuine connection create ripples of change that last far beyond a single day.
A Foundation of Action: International Day of Charity
The International Day of Charity—observed every September 5—was established by the United Nations in 2012 to promote awareness and encourage philanthropic action worldwide. The date commemorates Mother Teresa’s death anniversary, honoring her lifelong dedication to helping the poor and vulnerable.
Here are some ways you can get involved in the International Day of Charity:
- Direct engagement with local communities
- Cultural preservation through support of traditional arts and crafts
- Educational initiatives that empower children and vulnerable populations
- Animal welfare advocacy addressing local crisis situations
- Sustainable support that creates lasting impact beyond a single day
In 2024, Allied Insight marked the day with a global initiative, encouraging employees to volunteer with local charities and support causes that resonate personally. Team members across multiple countries combined donations with hands-on activities to make tangible differences in their communities.
How Allied Insight Celebrated International Day of Charity 2025
Allied Insight’s 2025 International Day of Charity continued to focus on deeper connections that go beyond donations.
This year, our teams traded their meeting rooms for meaningful moments spent directly with local communities in need.
The following stories highlight both the challenges in our communities and the ways our volunteers chose to respond—reminders that small acts can create powerful ripples of change.
The Philippines
In the Philippines, traditional weaving has long been a vital part of cultural identity—each thread carrying stories of heritage and community. But today, many of those stories are at risk of fading away. This inspired Allied Insight volunteers to step in and support preservation efforts in an unexpected way.
The Need: Saving the Dying Art of Weaving
Traditional weaving in the Philippines is a breathtaking art form, each textile telling a story of heritage, skill, and identity. The process of creating these fabrics is painstaking. Working a loom requires patience, rhythm, and skill. But the results are stunning works of art that tell the story of Philippine culture.
Yet behind the beauty lies a harsh reality: middlemen often buy these products cheaply and resell them at higher prices, leaving weavers underpaid. Despite the effort required, these masterpieces remain undervalued in the market. As a result, fewer artisans can continue the tradition, and the number of master weavers has dwindled dramatically.
An organization called Kaunlaran para sa Kultura at Kalikasan has taken on the challenge of protecting these fading traditions before they disappear forever. This non-profit group brings together artisans, community workers, and advocates who believe preserving culture and protecting the environment go hand in hand.1
Founder and master weaver Stephen de Ramos works with Indigenous communities such as the T’boli of Mindanao, creating intricate fabrics from cultural materials like abaca. For him, the true crisis is the slow decline of traditional weaving, which needs visibility and advocacy more than conventional charity.
The Response: Preservation Through Participation
For International Day of Charity, Team Philippines wanted to do more than provide donations. Eight Allied Insight staff chose to directly support Kaunlaran para sa Kultura at Kalikasan by taking part in one of its educational weaving workshops, immersing themselves deeply in the advocacy.
As Ria, Allied Insight’s Content Manager, shared, “Our current sociopolitical climate is unkind to those who live in poverty. The fact that this organization positions themselves to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth is more than enough reason for me to support their initiatives.”
Participants were guided through the entire weaving process—from winding threads onto spools and studying traditional patterns to stepping on pedals, throwing shuttles, and creating designs alongside master weavers. The hands-on experience revealed both the difficulty and beauty of this ancient art form.
The workshop did more than teach techniques. It helped volunteers understand why the craft struggles in today’s market and why preservation efforts are so crucial for Philippine cultural heritage.
When Geinah, Operations Manager, shared the experience on social media to publicize Allied Insight’s support, she highlighted how powerful the organization’s contribution is to Filipino communities. As she put it, “A small drop can cause ripples, and that’s the vision!”
Colombia
Fueled by the same commitment to hands-on volunteering, an Allied Insight team also took action in Colombia, where a “Cat Park” crisis brought them face-to-face with both heartbreaking need and inspiring resilience.
The Need: One Woman, 120 Cats, and a Growing Crisis
In Bucaramanga, Colombia, a public park has become ground zero for an escalating animal welfare problem. Locals now call it Parque de los Gatos—or “Cat Park”—because of the steady stream of abandoned felines left there every day.
Sometimes, up to three cats are abandoned in a single day. The problem has gotten so bad that people even pay to bring unwanted cats to the park.
Local animal rights activist Martha Villabona was first confronted with the situation and immediately struck by how bad it was. What began as a simple effort to help a few cats quickly grew into a makeshift shelter that now houses more than 120 within the park. Every day, Martha feeds, cleans, provides medical care, and tries to find new homes for the cats.
However, her work has reached a breaking point and is no longer sustainable. This led Martha to send a public appeal for donations and government support.
“There are more and more abandoned pets every day. The situation is complex. We need help with food and medicine. We also need people who can help us with cleanup efforts,” Martha said.2
The Response: Small Acts, Big Impact
When Allied Insight staff and animal lovers Lucy and Paula were given the chance to dedicate time to the International Day of Charity, they knew exactly where they wanted to go: Parque de los Gatos.
Before their visit, Lucy and Paula reached out to Martha to learn about the shelter’s most urgent needs. Her request was straightforward but essential: food and medicine to help keep the cats fed, healthy, and cared for.
With these small but important supplies in hand, our teammates arrived ready to support both the animals and the woman who has dedicated her life to protecting them. What they discovered was both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Many of the cats had endured abandonment or mistreatment, yet still showed resilience. Some even approached them with curiosity and affection despite their traumatic experiences.
Witnessing Martha’s tireless commitment and the cats’ strength to carry on left a deep impression on the Allied Insight volunteers.
Supporting Parque de los Gatos became more than just a volunteer activity—it was a powerful reminder of the difference compassion can make.
As Paula, Marcom copywriter, said: “Supporting her work reminded us that small acts of kindness can have profound impacts, and it was truly inspiring to contribute to a mission that aligns with our values.”
When Purpose Meets Performance
At Allied Insight, we know that meaningful change comes from more than just ideas—it comes from action. During International Day of Charity 2025, our teams saw firsthand how showing up and engaging directly with communities can create real, lasting impact.
This commitment to authentic engagement shapes how we approach every partnership. We believe the best brand stories are those grounded in genuine purpose and real community connection. When we work with partners, we bring this same hands-on philosophy—diving deep into what makes your brand meaningful and helping you share that authenticity with your audience.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your brand’s community initiatives or tell your story in a way that truly resonates, we’re here to collaborate. Let’s explore how purpose and performance can work together to create lasting impact for your brand.
References
- About Us, Kaunlaran Para sa Kultura + Kalikasan, https://kulturakalikasan.org/#about-us. Accessed 9 Sept. 2025.
- Pineda, José Luis. “Emergencia en refugio animal de Bucaramanga: colapsó y ahora recaudan ayudas.” Vanguardia, 17 Aug. 2025, https://www.vanguardia.com/area-metropolitana/bucaramanga/2025/08/17/emergencia-en-refugio-animal-de-bucaramanga-colapso-y-ahora-recaudan-ayudas/.
