Decades ago, Nissa Clarkson embarked on a new chapter in Canada, leaving her beloved Philippines behind. Yet, the roots of her homeland remained deeply embedded in her heart. Today, as a dedicated sales representative with Sutton – Premier Realty in Surrey, B.C., Nissa, alongside her husband Bob, has cultivated a remarkable two-decade-long tradition of compassion, returning to the Philippines each winter to bring invaluable support and joy to communities in need. Their unwavering commitment shines a beacon of hope, embodying the spirit of selfless giving that transcends borders and inspires countless others. This annual pilgrimage is more than just a visit; it’s a profound mission of humanitarian aid, directly impacting hundreds of lives through essential provisions and life-changing medical care.
A Christmas Miracle: Santa Bob’s Annual Journey to the Philippines
For nearly 20 years, the Christmas season in the Philippines has held a special magic, thanks to Nissa and Bob Clarkson. Every December, their resort transforms into a festive wonderland, eagerly anticipated by nearly 400 children. Here, the true spirit of Christmas comes alive as Bob, donning the iconic red suit, embodies Santa Claus, personally distributing toys and clothes to each child. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that lights up their young faces, offering not just material gifts but also a precious sense of hope and belonging. Nissa recounts the preparations with enthusiasm, “This year we will be giving toys and used clothing as well as feeding the children and I will treat them with a Christmas movie about Santa Claus.” This simple act of showing a Christmas movie further deepens the enchantment, creating lasting memories for children who may have little else. The logistical effort behind this generosity is substantial, as Nissa confirms, “We already sent 11 boxes through Manila Cargo,” highlighting the meticulous planning and significant investment required to transport these treasures across oceans, ensuring they arrive in time for the festivities.
The impact of ‘Santa Bob’s’ annual visit extends far beyond the immediate joy of receiving a gift. In communities where resources are scarce, a new toy or a fresh set of clothes can be a monumental event. It instills dignity, creates opportunities for play, and reminds children that they are seen, valued, and cared for. This enduring tradition, orchestrated by the Surrey BC real estate agent Nissa Clarkson and her husband, has become a cornerstone of their philanthropic efforts, weaving a vibrant tapestry of community spirit and genuine kindness that resonates deeply within the hearts of these young beneficiaries and their families. It’s a powerful testament to how consistent, heartfelt giving can create an incredible legacy of love and happiness, year after year, reinforcing the bond between their Canadian home and Nissa’s Filipino roots.
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts: The Life-Changing Medical-Dental Missions
Beyond the festive cheer, Nissa and Bob Clarkson’s commitment to the Philippines extends to providing critical healthcare services. Every few years, they organize vital medical-dental missions, collaborating with dedicated military doctors and dentists to deliver free treatments, essential medication, and nourishing meals to nearly 1,000 individuals. These missions are a lifeline in areas where access to basic healthcare is often limited or non-existent. The services typically include general medical consultations, wound care, basic surgical procedures, and essential dental work such as extractions and fillings. For many, these missions represent their only opportunity to receive professional medical attention, making a profound difference in their quality of life and preventing more serious health issues.
Nissa elaborates on the challenges and costs associated with these vital initiatives. “We love to do the medical-dental, but not sure yet if we can afford to do it because it will cost us around $2,000 to $2,500 for the medicine and feeding the doctors and dentists as well as the patients. Just a dental mission would cost around $1,500,” she explains. This highlights the significant financial commitment required to sustain such impactful projects. The expenses cover not only the necessary medications and supplies but also the logistical support and sustenance for the volunteer medical professionals and the many patients they serve. The decision to undertake a full medical-dental mission is never taken lightly, as it demands considerable resources and meticulous planning from the Sutton – Premier Realty agent and her husband. The sheer scale of helping almost a thousand people underscores the immense need for these services and the Clarksons’ incredible dedication to addressing it, reinforcing their role as pillars of humanitarian aid in the Philippines.
A Realtor’s Heartbeat: Funding a Legacy of Giving
What truly sets Nissa Clarkson’s humanitarian efforts apart is her innovative and deeply personal funding model. Throughout the year, Nissa, a respected figure in Surrey’s real estate community, dedicates a specific portion of *each* realty commission she earns to finance these missions. This isn’t a sporadic act of charity; it’s an ingrained commitment, a direct link between her professional success and her philanthropic passion. This disciplined approach ensures a consistent flow of funds, demonstrating a profound personal sacrifice and unwavering dedication that goes beyond typical charitable giving. It exemplifies how her role as a Sutton – Premier Realty agent directly fuels her mission to give back to her homeland, making every sale contribute to a greater good.
The costs associated with these initiatives are substantial. Shipping alone, which transports crucial supplies, toys, and clothes across thousands of miles, ranges from $800 to $2,000, depending on the quantity of goods sent. This is a significant personal expenditure that Nissa willingly undertakes to ensure the successful delivery of aid. Furthermore, the medical-dental missions, while incredibly impactful, come with their own set of financial demands, as outlined earlier. Nissa’s commitment to setting aside her own earnings underscores her belief in the cause and her determination to make a tangible difference. Her work is a powerful reminder that individuals can integrate their professional lives with their deepest values, creating a sustainable model for positive change. This consistent dedication from a Surrey BC real estate professional like Nissa Clarkson serves as an inspiring example of sustained generosity.
Building Bridges of Compassion: A Network of Dedicated Supporters
Nissa and Bob Clarkson’s extensive humanitarian work would not be possible without the profound generosity and collaborative spirit of their dedicated network of supporters. These individuals and organizations, spanning various professional fields and personal connections, unite to bolster the Clarksons’ mission, exemplifying the power of collective compassion. Among their long-time allies are their cherished friends, Lorne and Barb Kotzer, whose consistent support provides invaluable encouragement and resources. Another significant contributor is Nasser Hozar, a reputable professional from Re/Max 2000 Realty, whose contributions reflect a cross-company spirit of giving within the real estate sector.
The team members from Sutton – Premier Realty also play a crucial role in amplifying the impact of Nissa’s efforts. Manny Sraw, Teresa Chang, and Dee Soriano have not only promoted the project widely within their networks but have also generously donated money, clothes, and/or shoes, demonstrating their solidarity with Nissa’s cause. Their involvement highlights a strong sense of community and corporate social responsibility within the Sutton – Premier Realty family in Surrey, BC. Further essential support comes from mortgage broker Aneesa Karamally, who understood the critical need for logistical funding and specifically donated money to cover significant shipping costs, ensuring that the much-needed supplies reached their destination. This diverse coalition of friends, colleagues, and industry professionals underscores the widespread appeal and recognition of the Clarksons’ selfless work, transforming individual acts of kindness into a powerful, collective force for good in the Philippines. Their combined efforts are integral to the ongoing success of these vital missions, enabling Nissa and Bob to continue their impactful work.
Join the Mission: A Call to Action and Lasting Impact
As Nissa and Bob prepare for their upcoming journey to the Philippines on November 25, the need for continued support remains paramount. Their decades-long commitment to providing Christmas joy and essential healthcare services has transformed countless lives, bringing smiles to children’s faces and healing to communities that desperately need it. The financial costs associated with shipping humanitarian aid, purchasing medicine for medical missions, and feeding both patients and volunteer medical staff are substantial and ongoing. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly translates into tangible assistance for those most vulnerable.
For anyone inspired by Nissa Clarkson’s extraordinary dedication and wishing to contribute to this life-changing cause, opportunities to help are readily available. Your support can directly enable more children to receive gifts, more families to access crucial medical care, and more communities to experience the transformative power of compassion. To make a donation or to learn more about how you can support the upcoming mission, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact Nissa Clarkson directly by email at [email protected], or by calling her at 604-581-8400. Join Nissa, Bob, and their incredible network of supporters in making a lasting difference and continuing a legacy of love and service that spans continents, bringing hope from Surrey, B.C. to the heart of the Philippines.