Collectively known as ARMY, fans of K-pop group BTS (Bangtan Boys/Beyond the Scene) have been known to support various causes and charities all over the world. For the fan group’s 8th birthday on July 9, some ARMY members in the Philippines chose to create a fundraiser for children to celebrate this milestone. Donations received will provide children with essential BTS kits (Back-to-School kits) or learning kits that can be used this coming school year.
Children are currently facing an education crisis due to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, 2.73 million learners were not able to enroll according to the Department of Education. Save the Children’s Project ARAL (Access to Resource for Alternative Learning) aims to ensure that children’s right to education continues to be fulfilled.
“I am happy that I still get to learn, even if it’s from my own home and not in school. I’m a bit more used to the set up now, but sometimes I miss some lessons and quizzes because I get disconnected from the internet,” said Shenn, an 11-year old student from the National Capital Region, when asked about her experience as a learner during the pandemic. Shenn also considers herself as an ARMY and shared that she learned the values of self-love, hard work, and perseverance from her idols.
Started by BTS ARMY member Isay Iglesias, the birthday fundraiser aims to collect a total donation of Php 80,000 which can support the learning of around 160 children through the provision of school materials that they can use at home or in school, when the situation allows. The donation will be made in the name of BTS and ARMY.
“I am proud to be an ARMY and have always admired how the community comes together not only to support our idols, but also to support causes like this. I am inviting my fellow ARMYs to help out so we can make this meaningful donation in BTS and ARMY’s names for our 8th birthday,” said Iglesias, who is coincidentally celebrating her birthday on July 9 as well.
Save the Children Ambassadors Liza Soberano and Ria Atayde shared their appreciation for ARMYs efforts on their social media channels. Celebrity ARMY Arci Munoz was also among those who reposted the fundraiser.
“We’re honored to be chosen as the beneficiary for this 8th ARMY birthday fundraiser. The donation that will be made will help ensure that children are able to continue learning despite the various challenges they are facing. Thank you to all the groups who are uniting to support our programs for children,” said Judy Malabanan, Individual Giving Manager of Save the Children Philippines.
In addition to BTS ARMY, other fan groups that have created fundraisers for the benefit of Save the Children Philippines recently include Edelweiss Philippines for Korean actors Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin, One Day Philippines and Xie Binbin PH for Chinese actors Hu Yitian and Xie Binbin, and LizQuen for Filipino actors Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil.
To donate and learn more about the BTS ARMY 8th Birthday fundraiser, visit bit.ly/btsarmy8thbday