The famous phrase “Ball is life” gets thrown a lot in basketball circles, but for Renaldo Balkman basketball isn’t everything.
Despite being in the middle of an electric championship round in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup where San Miguel is ahead 2-1, Balkman still found a way to give back to a community that embraced him during his Philippine stay.
Balkman’s Balkmania Cares Foundation has set up an outreach program for the children of the Alay Pag-asa Christian Foundation where he will donate school supplies and toys through the “Giving Love Back” program.
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“It’s not about basketball all the time, winning the championship yeah, but it’s bigger than basketball,” said Balkman after the Beermen’s 132-94 win over the Gin Kings Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “It’s a great feeling inside that I’ve done something great.”
“I was once a kid that didn’t have everything, I was a kid that wanted things in life that I couldn’t get and nobody came and told me when I was younger so I want to give the kids something I didn’t have.”
Balkman said outreach is not just about the donations, but also being with the kids in little ways he can.
“I want to give them what they need, I want to feed them breakfast I want to be there every morning, I want to give them toys and play with them,” said Balkman. “I need to do whatever I need for a couple of hours just to see smiles on their faces.”
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Balkman added that he wants to bring 50 kids to watch Game 5 on Sunday Smart Araneta Coliseum as an added treat.
For those interested in helping out, Balkman posted an announcement on his Instagram account. Prospective donors can call 09198141948 for more information on how to take part.