CARE FOR HUMANITY charitable events bring hope and inspiration to seven Canadian cities

OTTAWA’S DECLARATION OF FELIX Y. MANALO FOUNDATION DAY BOOSTS SERIES OF OUTSTANDING “CARE FOR HUMANITY” EVENTS

Inspiration is one of the most crucial drives in human society regardless of class, culture or creed.

When Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) celebrated its 108th anniversary and 50th year in the country, Canadian officials extended their greetings and well wishes in July 2022. More humanitarian events steeped with an inspiration followed.

On July 20, 2022, at the Ottawa City Hall grounds, Ottawa Vice Mayor Laura Ducas, representing Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, read a Declaration of July 27 as Felix Y. Manalo Foundation Day.

Part of the certificate states, “The City of Ottawa congratulates the Executive Minister Brother Eduardo Manalo, Iglesia Ni Cristo members, and supporters of the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation worldwide on their 108th anniversary. It recognizes its great years of community support through ministry, service, and assistance.”

Two hours after, the Honorable Greg Fergus (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and President of the Treasury Board) read a formal declaration by the Centennial Flame in front of the Canada Parliament Building, acknowledging efforts of the INC members in its advocacy of relieving poverty:

“The Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, Inc., embodying unity and civic duty, is in the service of volunteerism and philanthropic causes. It leads the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s humanitarian advocacies and projects, relieving and alleviating poverty

by providing basic needs to those in need.”

On July 27, 2022, Mayor Sandra Masters declared July 27 as Iglesia Ni Cristo Day in the City of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. City officials led by Jim Nicol, interim City Manager & Chief Administrative Officer, greeted the INC or Church of Christ.

About 200 members of the Church gathered at City Hall to witness the proclamation.

Meanwhile, in Neepawa, Manitoba (400 kilometres from Regina, Saskatchewan), the INC members celebrated the Church’s anniversary through an outreach program.

Neepawa Mayor Blake McCutcheon wrote to the INC, saying, “We appreciate your commitment and contributions to our community. And we offer all your members our very best wishes.”

Part of the charitable efforts they endeavour is to become a community partner that helps not only in Canada but in more than 163 countries and territories where it has active members and congregations.

The acknowledgements of exceptional service have indeed pushed more of the socio-civic projects in August 2022:

1. Montreal, Quebec, on August 7, 2. Toronto, Ontario, on August 12 3. Winnipeg, Manitoba, on

August 14 4. Vancouver, British

Columbia, on August 19 5. Red Deer, Alberta, on

August 21

This year saw the use of food bank rise to the highest levels in Canadian history, according to a bleak new report conducted by Food Banks Canada.

“Canada’s food banks are facing uncharted challenges as turbulent economic conditions continue to exacerbate and deepen systemic inequities, especially for employed people earning low incomes, students and seniors on fixed incomes,” explained Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley in a statement.

Even in Canada, food insecurity continues to be felt among its residents.

“Not only historic, monumental, but also much needed. Because many, many people think that, Oh, Canada is a first world country and this is not needed in this place, “said Rosman Valencia, New Democratic Party (NDP)- Calgary East nominee. “However, we do; and the Church of Christ is filling the gaps o poverty here, making

sure that there’s help. This is such important work, and please do continue. Mabuhay po kayo (‘Long Live!)

1. Montreal, Quebec, on

August 7

Hundreds of care packages containing hygiene products and non-perishable food items were distributed to residents of Cotedes-Neiges, a neighbourhood that has a large immigrant and student population. Non-profit social organizations, namely, Women Aware, Advocacy for Montreal, and Chez Doris, received financial aid on behalf of their beneficiaries.

Brother Jose Razon II, Ottawa District supervising minister, explained that the Church’s charitable program is an “expression of our love to our fellowmen.”

“What we did today is the Care for Humanity with the intention not only to extend help during those moments that they are in dire need but what we are also extending is our care.:, he said.

2. Toronto, Ontario, on

August 12

Samara Rakhraj, the representative from Homes First Society, was so grateful for the gift donation of $2,000 to each of the organizations that attended. She said, “I’m leaving with an even more sense of community… It’s just so nice to see that you’re supporting us and all other amazing organizations”.

After watching videos about the humanitarian works of the INC and FYM Foundation, Tony Mozera, a newcomer from Uganda, said: “People here get to know what the foundation is doing … I didn’t know about this organization, but I’m happy that it’s global, it’s impacting (the) lives of people across the world.”

Guests included newcomers to Canada, including refugees, clients of various local food pantries, and non-profit organizations. For one day, they were treated to live music and performances, food and refreshments, and 3000 care packages, including staple and essential nutrition.

Along with four other

organizations: Afghan Women’s Organization, ANSS Foundation, Flemingdon Food Bank, and Project Share.

3.Winnipeg, Manitoba, on

August 14

The FYM Foundation, as spoken by Brother Eduardo Javier, wants to “help lighten the suffering experienced by those enduring and dealing with poverty.” Winnipeg statistics show a 39.6 child poverty rate.

Assisted by Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament and Cindy Lamoureux, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), in distributing packaged goods, both felt the commitment of the Church in reaching out to the community the fourth time around. Mr. Lamoureux observed that on top of caring for the community thru food packages, there is a spiritual message that goes with it.

Watch it on YouTube

4. Vancouver, British

Columbia, on August 19

Aside from the 1,200 care packages given away to the attendees, the FYM Foundation gifted four organizations with a cheque donation of $2,000 each to support their advocacy. These were RainCity Housing, Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, Atira Women’s Resource Society, and Lookout Housing and Health Society)

5. Red Deer, Alberta, on

August 21

Through the project Care for Humanity, four nonprofit organizations: Care for Newcomers Society, Catholic Social Services, John Howard Society of Red Deer, and The Mustard Seed, each received a financial donation to go toward their numerous efforts of alleviating poverty. Guests and attendees also received care packages of essential goods and non-perishable food. The Canada tour of Care for Humanity was concluded in Red Deer, Alberta..

The 2021 Presidential Award under the Banaag category was conferred on the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation in recognition of its significant philanthropy and alleviating poverty to those in need. The Banaag Award exemplifies the FYM Foundation’s Beacon of Hope for its steadfast dedication and commitment to the biblical mandate of doing good. Despite more than 20 months of the pandemic, the FYM Foundation has led outreach projects in the Philippines, Canada, and the 163 countries where INC maintains congregations and memberships. The FYM Foundation’s Chairman of the Board, Brother Glicerio P. Santos IV, shares the selfless determination to serve and strengthen these communities. The need has been made especially clear amid the global pandemic, highlighting the critical importance of unity, compassion, and strong communication channels. Owing to the dynamic leadership and steadfast stewardship of the Iglesia Ni Cristo Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo, the Church continues to propel its global significance in its socio-civic projects and outreach programs.