CEBU CITY – For a much worthier cause, the Cebu Bankers Club (CBC) said it will not have its annual Christmas party this year. Instead, the Club said, it will use whatever sum they will spend on such a party to extend more financial help to victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

CBC President John Salas said that during the Club’s last general membership meeting, the group unanimously agreed to forgo the party, allotting instead funds amounting to P107,690 to families affected by the strong typhoons which ravished major areas in Northern Luzon, including Metro Manila, last month.

CBC, a 42-member strong organization of local and national banking institutions, has donated the amount to the Philippine National Red Cross. The money is intended to be used to purchase additional food and clothing for the typhoon victims.

“We are but a small business group with limited funds at our disposal. But we hope to inspire other institutions to likewise emulate this commendable Christian act of generosity in this coming season of giving,” Salas said.

In a separate interview, former CBC President Prudencio Gesta lauded the effort of the group, saying,
“this is the true essence of Christmas, that is, to sacrifice for a deeper purpose and meaning. We hope this will inspire other business organizations and show them that real achievement is not how much income we have made, but how much difference we have made for the entire community."