Manila, Philippines, June 4, 2020: The kind heart of weightlifting hero Hidilyn Diaz has aided over 500 needy families in the Philippines during the crisis caused by Covid-19.
The Asian Games 2018 and SEA Games 2019 champion has raised 172,000 Philippine Peso (3,400 USD) through donations from an online weightlifting seminar.
Diaz, silver medallist at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, announced the final tally of her campaign on her Facebook page on June 3 and said the amount had bought 516 food packages for 516 families in her home city of Zamboanga as well as Cavite, Bulacan and Metro Manila.
“The Covid-19 relief food drive project was successful,” she said, praising the team work, planning and assistance of friends and family and coach Julius Naranjo.
“I want to thank everyone for donating, and taking part in this project, and those who participated in the weightlifting seminar.
“We gave 516 food packages to 516 families in Zamboanga, Cavite, Bulacan and Metro Manila. Our goal was not only to give them food to eat for a week but we wanted to give them hope that we will survive this pandemic together.
“We did it with your kindness and generosity,” added Diaz, 29.
Diaz is well on the way to qualifying for the Tokyo Olympic Games next summer when she hopes to improve one place up the podium on her silver medal spot in Rio four years ago.