Thomas Olivier Kellenberger

Founder IKP/PIKIFI

In 2007, at the age of 25, I traveled to the Philippines, fell in love with the country and its people, saw the misery and hope in the children’s eyes and firmly believed that, with God’s help and together with other people, I could make a difference. Today I know that we can do this and I continue to fight.

In Switzerland, I worked as a polymechanic, police officer and social pedagogue. I am also the president of Island Kids Philippines. In the Philippines, I studied Social Work (MSSW) and am involved in the management of the aid organization Philippine Island Kids Int’l as founder. Foundation, Inc.

Dr. Lisa Düerkop

President IKP Germany

As chairwoman of the German association of IKP, I mainly take care of the administration of the association and the communication with the German donors and sponsors. Together with the other members of the association, I organize small events from time to time in order to make IKP better known in Germany. After meanwhile three stays in Cagayan de Oro, a part of my heart is firmly committed to IKP/PIKIFI and especially as a Christian, it is my concern to share my abundance.

I am married, mother of a daughter and work as a judge.

Gabi Gafner

Vice President

The honesty, straightforwardness and unshakable belief in the good in people of the founder of IKP have convinced me. In addition, through my work for IKP, I would like to thank him for my privileged life. Professionally, I have been engaged with heart and soul for over 40 years as a primary school teacher for children in the lower school.

Dominik Lüscher

Finance

As a commercial employee with a flair for numbers and a heart for street children in the Philippines, I feel that I am in the right place at IKP. As I was able to live among street children in the Philippines for almost seven years, the core concerns of IKP are very close to me personally and so it is a privilege for me to be able to continue to support the children in the Philippines from Switzerland through my involvement with IKP. At IKP, I am responsible for the donation and financial accounting and I am grateful to all supporters when IKP is able to present a balanced account at the end of each year.

Christina Kurzen-Berger

Sponsorships & Newsletter

«And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.» – The Bible

It gives me great pleasure to take care of the concerns of our sponsors and to facilitate the relationship between them and the children they support. I also like to try to inform about the work of PIKIFI by publishing our newsletter. As a mother of two adult daughters, I work part-time as a medical office assistant.

Svenia Montilla

Volunteers & Social Media

«IKP changes the lives of many children and families for the better; I was able to experience this myself. Here charity is lived! «

I am responsible for the area of volunteers. Since I was there myself for one year, I can optimally prepare, accompany and support future volunteers. I am also in charge of the Facebook page of Island Kids and keep you up to date. Privately, I am married to a Filipino, mother of two boys and work part-time in a daycare center.

Daniela Steffen

Marketing Projects

«Never give up doing something good for other people.»

In 2014, I was a volunteer with PIKIFI, in the Philippines. I have been traveling locally ever since, where I can practice my great passion, photography. I have been on the board since 2015 and have already been able to implement some exciting photo projects such as postcards, photo flip and calendars with photo subjects of the supported children. In addition, I organize with volunteers on site the letter post and craft activities for the sponsors in Switzerland and abroad. Professionally, I am an assistant TV Editor.

Egon Burgener

Information Technology

«I don’t know of any other charity that volunteers with so much heart to meet the needs of children.»

Although IT plays a smaller role in the charity, there are some IT areas that the charity needs to be able to rely on. As an IT consultant, I am happy to contribute my knowledge and experience.

Rolf Hedinger

Events & Medical

«Convinced from the bottom of my heart of the power and impact of IKP’s work, which I experienced firsthand during visits and Medical Mission’s to the Philippines.»

In board work, my experiences in emergency medicine, education, as well as countless travel experiences help me to make convincing and heartfelt decisions together as a college. Professionally, I am responsible for education at «Alter und Pflege Stadt Winterthur», as well as a cabin crew member at Swiss International Air Lines.

Melanie Gafner

Events

«I spent three months in the Philippines as a volunteer and gained an insight into the everyday life of the children. The relief organization offers them safety and security, a sound education and prepares them for adulthood. It is important to me that the project continues with so much heart and soul, which is why I would also like to contribute a part.»

At IKP I am responsible for organizing events. As a qualified nurse HF and wound specialist, I work as a deputy in the Spitex management of the region Lucerne. My profession was also my field of work at PIKIFI.

Veronika Wanzenried

Data Management & Website & Secretariat

IKP/PIKIFI stands for an organization that does great things on site with a small budget and many committed helpers. I like to invest some of my free time to help that the «back office» works well.

Professionally, I take care of the finances and membership of a Swiss-wide organization in the social sector.

Susanne Stricker

Donor support

«Like a plant needs space and light to grow, a child needs love and freedom to develop» – Sigrid Leo

I was able to experience an unforgettable and loving time as a volunteer with PIKIFI in the Philippines. The work with the children was very enriching. Thanks to this impressive time in Cagayan de Oro, I am now involved with Island Kids Philippines.

Professionally, I am a landscape gardener in a foundation for young adults with learning disabilities.

Martin Strasser

Sponsorship and Events

«Kindness is more important than wisdom, and in this realisation lies the beginning of wisdom» (Theodore Isaac Rubin).

In 2016, I accompanied my life partner Ruth Kellenberger to the Philippines. The stay at PIKIFI in Cagayan de Oro was a lasting life experience. Great things are being achieved here in the fight against poverty and misery through practised charity. In a protected setting, the children have the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. Through education, care and security, they have the best conditions for a better future.