Sony Music Entertainment Philippines Celebrates the Holiday Season with Rise Against Hunger
Sony Music
Entertainment Philippines and singer-songwriter Hazel Faith have partnered with
charity, Rise Against Hunger, to support vulnerable communities locally
impacted by food insecurity, whose situations have been exacerbated by the
COVID-19 pandemic.
This comes
as part of Sony Music Group’s global ‘Season of Giving’ campaign, where the
company and its artists are giving back to every local community in which Sony
Music Group (SMG) operates. Across the world, SMG is supporting global
organizations dedicated to providing aid for those facing food insecurity,
homelessness and refugee support, as well as music industry relief and
educational programs for communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This also
follows the support provided through Sony
Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund, to move the needle in
broadening opportunities for underserved communities worldwide. In October, the
company
partnered with SPARK! Philippines to champion young
women’s rights through music and film.
Beginning in the month of November, the Season of Giving program saw SMG
committing sizeable amounts in each territory where the Company conducts
business: Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Continental Europe,
Latin America, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Since
its beginnings in 2014, Rise Against Hunger Philippines has packaged over 543
million meals for vulnerable individuals across 78 countries, including over 7
million meals for people in the Philippines. With the funding from Sony Music
Group, the organization will be able to reach 1.5 million people in communities
most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, through the distribution of donated
food items and relief packs to hungry households.
Jose Mariano Fleras, Executive Director, Rise
Against Hunger Philippines, said, “COVID-19 has only worsened the hunger
situation in the Philippines by costing people their livelihoods and making it
more difficult for resources to reach those who really need them. We have
unfortunately seen an additional four million households in the Philippines
impacted because of the pandemic.”
“Through
this partnership with Sony Music Group, we are in a stronger position to
provide aid to vulnerable communities and double down on our outreach
operations to address food and nutrition insecurity nationwide.”
As
part of efforts to reach these communities, singer-songwriter Hazel Faith also partnered with the organization through a day of
volunteering and performances for its beneficiaries. Hazel Faith is part
of Sony Music Philippines’ Christian label WATERWALK RECORDS, which brings
fresh Christian music infused with pop influences from faith-based artists to
the new, streaming generation.
Hazel Faith said, “Food insecurity continues to plague many across the
Philippines, and it is inspiring to see what organizations like Rise Against
Hunger are doing to alleviate this problem. I'm grateful for the opportunity to
perform for the beneficiaries of the program today, and proud to be part of a
label that continues to give back to those in need this holiday season.”
In
speaking of the seasonal initiative, Towalame Austin, Executive Vice
President, Philanthropy and Social Impact, Sony Music Group, said, “Globally,
SMG is committed to supporting local communities throughout the year. For the
holiday season, we wanted to bring extra support and relief aid to those in
need and dedicate our efforts to more than three million people worldwide.
We’re grateful to our artists and international partner organizations who work
on-the-ground to provide direct assistance to their
neighbors.”
In addition
to Hazel Faith, notable artists and songwriters who volunteered with partner
organizations in their communities during a series of in-person events include
India Shawn (Epic Records), Tyler Shaw (SME Canada), NOBITA (SME Philippines),
Kobie Dee (SMP Australia), Tom Wilson (SMP Canada).
This
campaign represents the Company’s ongoing philanthropic commitment to forge
partnerships and support communities that need it most, inside and outside
the music industry. For ‘Season of Giving’, every global organization selected
to receive funding was determined by a group of global stakeholders including
our internal task forces, legal and public policy teams. Learn more about SMG’s
giving approach here.
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