The history of Larry and Tova Vickar’s philanthropy is firmly attached with the history of the founding of the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba. And this attachment has become much stronger when Larry Vickar, president of Vickar Automotive Group, handed the donation of $20,000, which makes a total of $135,000 financial support to PCCM. In attendance during the special ceremony are the PCCM executive officers and board members headed by Lito Taruc, PCCM president and the Filipino employees and executive officers of his automotive conglomerate.
“Since the beginning of the formation of the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba, we have been partners in forging various initiatives to realize the dreams of the Filipinos in Winnipeg and in Manitoba to have a cultural centre. Our partnership with the Filipino community goes back to the late 60’s when doctors, nurses, teachers and other professionals started settling in Winnipeg. As I as go back to many years of our close relationship with the Filipinos, our slogan “Where customers send their friends” came into existence with the 1st Filipino whom we met and became close friend, Greg Villela. Greg became our close friends, and of course, he bought a truck which he used to work in the courier business, at which he used as well to bring friends to me who became our customers,” says Larry with a smile.
As Larry committed, he began setting aside funds from the sales of vehicles from the Filipino customers and this agreement was to end in 2004 when the PCCM opened.
“Tova and I discussed to further our involvement with the Filipino community and we decided to continue our yearly donation in order to help the on going financial sustainability of the Centre. We have to give back to the Filipino community in which we have many friends. We are aware of the tremendous energy exerted by the founders of the centre and we felt that what we had started must continue to support PCCM into the future, We are very thankful to be a part of this endeavour. And we are always be a part of this centre: the pride of the Filipinos in Winnipeg and Manitoba,” Larry continues.
To this date, the total cumulative amount donated by Vickar Automotive Group to PCCM is $135,000.
Larry Vickar cited that both he and his partner in life, his wife, Tova, have been attending numerous activities in the Filipino community and they feel at home and comfortable amongst the many friends over the years. Both have been so involved in various fundraising activities. Larry and Tova’s interaction with the Filipinos is not only during fiesta or wedding or associations; anniversary and fundraising actitivities but as well they employ 26 Filipinos in the business some of whom have been working for many years. “We are fortunate to have these kababayans as part of our organization,” Larry adds.
Vickar Community Chevrolet, the founding company of Vickar Automotive Group, has consistently serve the various communities in Winnipeg but none more than the Filipino client. From the dealership on Main St. to Transcona, the company has expanded over the years to include Mitsubishi, Nissan and recently, Izuzu.
During the donation ceremony, Larry introduced the Filipino team members in his organization, from Vickar Community Chevrolet, Noel Cadelina and Lito Dabu, sales; Arnold Dulay, parts; Joan Macapagal, deal desk; and Dyrol Amorganda, special events. Vickar Autobody and Glass, Joelan Mendoza, collision repair advisor; Darrell Lorbis and Vicrigor Sofronio, body techs; Gerald Garcia, paint prep; Vickar Mitsubishi, Gil Magsayo, asst. sales manager; Gerry Restar, Nharen Basa and Patrick Crisostomo, techs; Waverly Mitsubishi, Nelson Lantin, sales manager;; Rommel Fajardo, sales; Vickar Nissan, Ted Bobier, sales; Armando Visda, Carlo Ingala and Ron Schultz, techs; and Jeral Santos, tech apprentice; Vickar Nissan Detail, Miguel Julion, Jayson Lasquete, Andrew Ramos, and Angelo Tukuero. He also introduced Randy Viray as special guest. And to give credit to his executives, Larry introduced his son, Sam Vickar, general manager and sales manager of Vickar Community Chevrolet; Stephen Vickar, president of Vickar Mitsubishi; Daniel MicFlickier, partner and General Manager; Rino Attardo, president of Waverly Mitsubishi; and Steven Minken, marketing director of Vickar Automotive Group.
Larry mentioned his closer relationship with Drs. Roland and Irene Guzman, and with the founders and former PCCM presidents, from Resty Taruc, to Dr. Romy Magsino, the late Linda Natividad Cantiveros, and Rod Escobar Cantiveros and now with the current PCCM president, Lito Taruc. After accepting the donation, Lito Taruc acknowleged the continued friendship and support of Larry and Tova Vickar to the Filipino community and to other groups in Winnipeg and in Manitoba.
He thanked Larry and Tova’s loyalty in helping the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba. He assured them that every penny of their donation will be spent with complete transparency. Lou Fernandez, PCCM adviser, emceed the ceremony. Letty Antonio offered prayer. A light dinner was served.
The other executive officers present include Jun Oquendo, vice-president; Norman Padilla, asst. treasurer; Florencio Antonio, corresponding secretary; Kelly Legaspi, recording secretary; Jing Asperin, internal auditor; Rod Escobar Cantiveros, ex-officio and immediate past president; Nap Ebora, Gem Anis, Noel Cadelina, Liberty Namit, Marianne Ferrer, and with regrets, Clarita Nazario, treasurer and Allan Zoleta, board member.
