Singer-theater artist Jamie Rivera recently performed for the 60th international anniversary of SOS Children’s Villages, one of her advocacies that helps children who are orphaned, neglected, abandoned and under difficult circumstances.

“Join me in becoming part of the solution to the problem of children losing the warmth, love and security of a home. Be an SOS Friend by supporting their programs and causes.. There are many ways to do it. All it takes is a bit of your time and resources, and your whole love and care,” she said after rendering her hits “Only Selfless Love” and “In My Life.”

Rivera also joined in the ceremonial toast led by Austrian Ambassador Herbert Jager and his wife at the event held last July 9 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

SOS Children’s Villages is an international child welfare organization founded by Hermann Gmeiner in 1949 in reaction to the horrors of war that he experienced as a soldier in Russia.

Its international supporters include Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu as well as Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie, Djimon Hounsou and Jessica Alba.

In the Philippines, a liaison office of SOS Children’s Villages was established in Manila in 1967 and became the national headquarters in 1990 with affiliates in Lipa, Tacloban, Calbayog, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Bataan.

As an SOS Child Advocate, Rivera regularly visits and joins various activities and programs in those areas. She also joined in the launching of a major donor acquisition campaign, “SOS Friends,” in Glorietta, Makati in Feb. 2008.

“At SOS Children’s Villages, orphaned and neglected children find a home filled with brothers and sisters and a woman dedicated to be their mother. I find that it makes a difference that these children are raised with real families. They learn significant values because of the love and security they experience from the home that they share. This is why I’m compelled to support SOS Children’s Villages so that more children can experience the healing power of a family,” she pointed out.

Archbishop Fernando R. Capalla, the chairman and president of the National Board of SOS Philippines, commends Rivera’s commitment to the children’s cause.

“Thank you for generously giving your person, musical gift and talent for our children and most of all, your gift of friendship to our SOS Mothers,” he said during the 60th anniversary program of SOS Children’s Villages while acknowledging the similar efforts given by Ambassador and Madame Jaeger.