As a commitment to help more marginalized Filipino children gain access to education, World Vision launched the campaign, “Count me in!” at the Trinoma Activity Center on June 8, 2001. The “Count me in!” campaign aims to give 11,000 children proper nutrition, opportunities for development and participation, and sustainable livelihood for their communities through World Vision’s child sponsorship.

The whole day campaign launch included learning activity booths at the Gallery Walk where over 200 participants not only got freebies from generous corporate sponsors but they learned of the realities that poverty brings and posted their wishes and prayers for the children living in these conditions. They shared,  
“May you enjoy your childhood. Always remember your dream and let it be your inspiration.”

“I pray that the Lord will give you strength that you could go on with your life. No matter what situation you’re in. God bless you all. I will always pray for you.”

“Walang katumbas na anumang bagay ang mga ngiting kayang ibigay ng mga bata na makikita sa mukha nila… God bless the children!”

^{A World Vision volunteer joins in the fun at the Count me in! campaign launch Gallery Walk at the face-painting booth.}  

^{Participants of the Gallery Walk discover the different faces of poverty as they finish puzzles inspiring them to hope for the children living in poverty.}  

In the evening, a mini-concert was held with World Vision Ambassadors and child sponsors; Chris Tiu, Nikki Gil, Cristalle Belo, Julius and Tin-tin Babao, Danica Sotto-Pingris, Jan Marini, and many more.

_{Celebrity entrepreneur Cristalle Belo was surprised by her sponsored child from Zambales. After three years of sponsorship, they were able to meet each other for the first time.}  

During the evening’s event TV/radio hosts, Julius and Tin-tin Babao appealed to mall goers of their own advocacy, “Kaagapay sa Kinabukasan” that would help 300 World Vision children who have grown up without a father or a mother. To know more about this campaign click here.
 

^{Celebrity TV/radio couple, Julius and Tin-tin Babao share to the crowd their burden to have 300 children who have grown up without a father or a mother through their Kaagaypay sa Kinabukasan campaign.} 

Thirty-eight mall goers counted themselves in to sponsor a child that day. You can count yourself in too! Click here to find out more.