By Leila Castro
Ever since we officially launched the 204 Neighbourhood Watch three weeks ago, we have so far patrolled 2 areas and done playgrounds clean-up twice. The number of volunteers connecting and showing up in our activities is also growing.
We are happy to see people from diverse cultures expressing their support and appreciation. More than the hype, there is indeed a need for all of us to unite and do something for the community. I am sharing here what some of our active volunteers say about their experiences and realizations with being part of the 204 Neighbourhood Watch, and what drives them to continue volunteering.
Lito Urbano
“I have been in Canada for 11 years. The activity is good for our community, especially for our sons and daughters because it teaches them to take opportunities to do the right thing for our community. My experience cleaning the park was good, because I knew I was doing something good for the environment. I will always volunteer for the amazing opportunity. Thanks 204 Neighbourhood Watch!”
Lorenz Cinco
“Everyone is dreaming to have a peaceful and safe place to live. This is what inspires me to continue volunteering with 204 Neighborhood Watch. This is possible through our collaborative effort and sincere cooperation.”
Ever since we officially launched the 204 Neighbourhood Watch three weeks ago, we have so far patrolled 2 areas and done playgrounds clean-up twice. The number of volunteers connecting and showing up in our activities is also growing.
We are happy to see people from diverse cultures expressing their support and appreciation. More than the hype, there is indeed a need for all of us to unite and do something for the community. I am sharing here what some of our active volunteers say about their experiences and realizations with being part of the 204 Neighbourhood Watch, and what drives them to continue volunteering.
Kathy Chionglo
“What inspires me to continue volunteering with 204 Neighbourhood Watch? First of all, I would like to express how together and fun the co-volunteers are in 204NW! We are like a one happy family. 1. I feel that 204 NW is a movement that helps neighbours watch out for neighbours; 2. I feel that 204 NW is a movement that combats crime in the most effective way -before it starts- by reducing the opportunities for crime to occur; 3. It strengthens my ties to the community, being exposed to people with common interests, neighbourhood resources, fun and fulfilling activities; 4. Sense of pride and identity!;5. I feel that 204 NW is a growing movement and I would encourage anyone interested in volunteering should consider 204NW.
Volunteering is a two-way street. It can benefit you and your family such as the cause you choose to help!
By the way, free Bakerite Pandesals, Tim’s doughnuts at iba pa during our meetings and patrollings, are always available whenever you feel hungry hehehe.”
Arlene Diosomito
I’ve always wanted to be part of a group that helps the community. Since I was a kid in the Philippines, I’ve always wanted to be part of something that will help people and make a difference in the community. However, since we have a family business where I spent most of my time after school and my parents are very protective of us, I was not able to fulfill it.
Then came a time when I got married and have my own business, I started to help homeless children and their family by giving them food and clothing. I also helped the less fortunate by providing them salo-salo at my store during Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Then me and my husband came to Canada. It was not easy to start in Canada, so I had put aside doing these things in the meantime, while I focused on working… work work work to provide for my family and of course to survive in Canada. And then came the blessing of a good life to us.. me and my husband started helping people again and donating to charity. When I saw Ate Leila Castro’s post about 204 Neighbourhood Watch, I immediately signed up to be a member. At last a group where I can help the community! It also helps that I personally know Ate Leila who is a foster parent like me. I feel more comfortable joining the group.. and I feel her sincerity and good heart as the founder of the group.
As for my experience with the playground clean up, I have to admit my heart was hurting when I saw all the broken bottles and drugs baggies scattered around the playground. I can’t imagine that there are people without conscience who do such a thing at the expense of the innocent children. I initially thought that such pitiful condition of the playground is a story that exists only on Facebook, until I saw one. Our primary concern is the welfare of the children playing in the playground.. While picking up the broken glasses, I am thinking of all the kids that got hurt while playing in the playground.. This motivated me to become more active in volunteering for 204 Neighbourhood Watch. I made the right decision to join the group because it directly helps the community, it is an opportunity to get involved.”
The 204 Neighbourhood Watch will not fly without committed volunteers like Kathy, Lito, Lorenz and Arlene. The streets they patrolled were not even the neighbourhood where they live, and the playgrounds they cleaned up were not the place frequented by their children. But their hearts responded to the urgent call to act as one community.
We are receiving more and more requests from people to patrol in their areas. We need more volunteers, join the 204 Neighbourhood Watch fb group, or email me at leilacastro.ca@gmail.com.
