The Filipino community is up to the challenge of feeding Winnipeg’s most hungry.
In 2007, several Filipino community organizations rallied around Winnipeg Harvest’s World Record Food Drive. Those organizations included the Highlights Performing Group, International Worship Centre and the 2007 board of directors at the Philippine-Canadian Centre of Manitoba. Over the years, individuals and groups within Winnipeg’s growing Filipino community have continued to support Winnipeg Harvest through various fundraising efforts.
Last May, Ysabella Samiana collected over $100 from her family during a Manny Pacquiao party and instead of using the money for herself, she asked her parents if the money could go to Winnipeg Harvest. The Winnipeg Glee Club, composed of students, teachers and vocal artists held a charity concert at the Gas Station Theatre all in support of Winnipeg Harvest. Earlier this year, Filipino students enrolled at Red River College supported Winnipeg Harvest from a 2-day art auction at the Forks.
Through events held by The Filipino Journal such as Blue Bomber Filipino Nights, and Filipino Breakfast Friday’s, money and food donations continue to be raised in an effort to keep the shelves at Winnipeg Harvest full.
As new immigrants continue to arrive from the Philippines, I have found out first hand that a small percentage of new immigrants need the help of Winnipeg Harvest. Many of them also volunteer several hours a week to help sort, package and deliver many Winnipeg Harvest services.
When it comes to sharing and caring this community does it the best. Winnipeg is a community full of caring hearts and giving spirits. On November 8th, I would like to invite my friends, clients and business associates to the Empty Bowls Soup-er Lunch.
Winnipeg Harvest’s Empty Bowls program and fundraising activities include: Empty Bowls in the Schools, Empty Bowls Celebrity Auction, and the Empty Bowls Soup-er Lunch held on November 8, at the MTS Centre from 11:30 – 1:30pm. These not only raise valuable funds for Winnipeg Harvest, but create awareness of the issue of hunger and poverty in Manitoba.
Please join us and make your donation to the Empty Bowls program today! Learn more by calling 982-3663 or donate at www.WinnipegHarvest.org.
Let’s do lunch! It’s going to be fun. And the soup is delicious.
Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal