To the Filipino's,

Of this date, September 1, 2010, there have been 4,021 visits to this website during the past 1 year, 5 months. Of those visits, 42% originated in the Philippine Islands.

It would be this writer's hope, there be a need to reach for a calculator to arrive at a sum total donated by Filipinos, toward the welfare of the children of whom we represent. However, a calculator is not needed. The people of the Philippines, over the past 1 year and 5 months, have found it within themselves to offer, through this website, a sum total of ZERO PESOS to help these children.

It matters not to you, a Filipino, someone from another nation, this writer, must come here to help these children. It matters not, you walk, daily, past these children on the street and offer nothing. It is, of course, no surprise, we find the same amount of help originating from the people of this nation being offered to our relief effort.

Rest assured, this writer will continue to help these children on the streets and in the remote villages. As we would say, in the U.S.A., for the most part, this help will be accomplished, "On my nickle." However, there will be no future anticipation on this writers part of receiving any help from Filipinos, whether they be individuals or civic organizations. As for the governmental agencies, we do not accept any assistance from them.

At this point one would usually offer thanks for your help. Unfortunately, if thanks were offered, it would be, "Thanks for nothing."

George Mertz

Executive Director

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In The News

NEW!! CANADA ► 11 Years in Jail Doesn't Seem Enough for Sex Tourist

► Commentary: A Letter from a Brave Filipina – Read if You are Serious for Change

► Int'l Lawyers Group Urges Noynoy to Prosecute Arroyo

► Snapshots of Catholic Priests Accused of Abuse

► The Vatican: Deaf to Pedophilia - $2.5 Billion Paid Out to U.S. Sexual Abuse Victims

► Philippines: Will Child Sex Slaves Have Justice?

► Philippines Fight vs. Trafficking – No Fight at All - US Report

● A RIVER OF 104 CROSSINGS - An ancient range of mountains, pushing skyward between the pressures of two tectonic plates, are obscure as a light easterly wind moves the clouds through their valleys and far up the sides of their lush peaks. We drive higher up into the mist shrouding this narrow dirt road.

● A TERRIBLE STORY OF ABUSE - Five children suffer at the hands of a brutal father. The 'Hand of Justice', bringing relief to the children and misery to the father, is delivered by Gensan Relief and Community Exchange, Inc.

● BLIND FAITH IN FATALDAO - She tells a story of poverty and lost hope for those living in an area described to me as a “Dumping ground for bodies.” This is Fataldao in the Barangay of San Jose. It’s one of the poorest areas in the General Santos region, situated in the southernmost part of Mindanao, Philippines.

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~~~~~~~~~~ GRACE COMMENTARY ~~~~~~~~~~

General Santos City Council: Dereliction of Duty?

Is General Santos City, Safe?

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Street children, abused children, and exploited children—they have less control over their own well-being and destiny than any other group in the world.If you are a Filipino, you know, ... many walk by these children as if they were invisible. However, they are no different than your own children. They just need someone like you to see their need, feel their pain and offer them help.

We're giving you a way to save these children. No matter how small of an offering you make, you then have a right to say, "I am part of a larger effort to save these little ones."

Your donation through GRACE will provide these forgotten children with food, clothing, medical and dental assistance, school materials, shelter and, in some cases, legal counsel.

Neither your nationality or where you live, matters. It is your concern for these children that narrows the miles between you and them. They are children of the world and deserving of your care. GRACE is here to put your caring to work.

Help these children - Click here