One of America’s prestigious humanitarian award-giving entities honored a Filipina nurse who turned her apartment into a home for the homeless and disadvantaged youth in Aiken, South Carolina.
In 2016, Leolalinda Petingalay-Plameras purchased a house in a high-crime area in Aiken. Gang violence and crime were rampant in the community, and burglars did not spare her apartment to force their way in.
“Instead of getting scared, I felt pity for those intruders. They were hungry. The broken glass was their shattered lives. I knew then that I had a mission,” Plameras was quoted in a news report.
Because of this, Plameras decided to convert their house where children in their neighborhood can feel safe and be taken care of.
Working as a registered nurse at Doctors Hospital of Augusta in Georgia and a nursing supervisor at Anchor Health Rehabilitation, Plameras seeked the help of colleagues at the hospital and nursing homes for donations of shoes, socks, and food for the children. True to its name, the Agape House soon received food, clothing, shelter, and love from concerned citizens.
Little did she know that her selfless mission would be recognized by her peers and decided to nominate her for the Frist Humanitarian Award, which recognizes individuals outstanding humanitarian and volunteer activities beyond their regular work given by the prestigious Hospital Corporation of America (HCA).
“Filipino nurses have compassion, the right spirit and attitude. We are hardworking, courteous, and can pull more hours to do volunteer work on holidays. We seldom complain. Being a good listener and always smiling make a difference,” Plameras said in her speech.
Photo credit: Erwin Plameras, Facebook
