An act of unity and inspiring acts of selflessness are the ideals behind the “One World, One Christmas” theme which was launched by Rustan’ s Commercial Corporation this year, as the exclusive retail chain store and its foreign partners pool their resources to help bring the Christmas spirit to the victims of storm Ondoy.

“We have so many partners all over the world, and they all want to help the victims of Ondoy,” said Dina Tantoco, marketing communications manager of Rustan’s.

Among the foreign partners expected to take part in the holiday project are those from the United States (Jones New York, Baby Phat, Jack Nicklaus, Nine West, Steve Madden, Ann Klein, Aerosales, OKAb, Brown Shoe, Estee Lauder Group, OPI, Dashing Diva, Murad, Mario Badescu, Palmer’s), Spain (Zara, Massimo Dutti, Lladro, Nao), and France (Cartier Fine Jewelry, Christian Dior Cosmetics and Skin Care Perfumery, Agatha Ladies Accessories, Le Sportsac Ladies Bags, Jaques Farel Leather Goods).

Also taking part are suppliers from Italy (Roberto Coin Fine Jewelry, Salvatore Ferragamo Shoes, Bags and Ladies RTW, Magnani Ladies RTW), Switzerland (Charriol Fine Jewelry and Leathergoods), Canada (Lush Cosmetics & Skin Care), Brazil (Tamara Comolli Fine Jewelry), Portugal (Herdmar Flatware, Monaco Misaki Ladies Accessories with Pearls), Japan (Kose Cosmetics), Hong Kong (Princess appliances, Gamma Flatware), Singapore (Raoul Ladies & Men’s RTW), and the United Kingdom (Marks & Spencer).

Rustan’s President Nedy Tantoco said the company felt it was unfair that Filipinos who have already suffered so much would have to suffer the loss of Christmas, too.

“Christmas is a time to spend with family. My father would even tell us that if we still want to be a part of the family, we better be here in the country to spend it with each other. We would all go to mass and celebrate Noche Buena together,” she said.

Rustan’s’ goal is to let the typhoon victims enjoy the Christmas holiday as well.

“Everybody is so concentrated on giving food and clothing to the victims, and it would be nice for them to receive toys and similar items this Christmas,” she said.

Tantoco even related how Dashing Diva would give nail polish kits to the children just to liven up their spirits.

All donations collected by Rustan’s would be handed over to the Children’s Hour, an organization that looks after the welfare of children. It is the first time for the organization to work with Rustan’s.

Other beneficiaries of the project include Operation Smile, St. Anthony’s Boys Village of Cavite, and Create Responsive Infants by Sharing (C.R.I.B.S.) Foundation.

Rustan’s said its corporate social responsibility to bring back the joys of Christmas to Filipinos, especially the children, exemplifies the kindness and generosity of the human nature.