First Fil-Can of Vaughan celebrates 15 yrs

First Fil-Can of Vaughan celebrates 15 yrs

History and profile

The First Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan – 1990 was organized out of genuine desire to help the Filipino-Canadian community in Thornhill and Vaughn area, especially the newly arrived Filipino immigrants. This desire was inspired by the officers and members of “Ang Bisaya sa Metro Toronto” who came together to help a newly arrived Filipino family in Toronto in December 1988.

The family was in so much pain due to the sudden death of a very close and beloved relative, who was just visiting them but suddenly died of heart attack three weeks after arrival in Toronto/Thornhill from the Philippines. The officers and members of “Ang Bisaya” condoled with the family and were there for them during that difficult period. Not having any relatives and friends, and the fact that the family was very new and still adjusting to the new surroundings, the very cold winter, and the culture, the gesture was very much appreciated.

Inspired by this loving gesture extended by the organization, seven couples came together and founded the Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan, composed of Filipino-Canadians from all over the Philippines. Since its inception, the Association continues to emulate what the “Ang Bisaya” did in 1988. The Association has also embarked in other humanitarian and socio-civic undertakings.

The name “First Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan – 1990” was assumed to differentiate the organization from a group bearing the same name organized by one of the former founding couples.
FFCAV is honored to share what it has accomplished in its 15 years of existence.

On-going Humanitarian and Socio-Civic Activities

Since 1998, FFCAV has been sponsoring six (6) Filipino children under the World Vision Program: two (2) from Luzon, two (2) from the Visayas and two (2) from Mindanao.

Condole with Filipino families in their time of sorrow and extend financial assistance within the Association’s means.

Extend financial assistance to Filipinos in dire need or requiring emergency assistance, especially those who do not have relatives in Canada.

Visit the sick in the hospital, be with them and remind them that people still care.

Help new immigrants integrate into the Canadian mainstream society.

Organize activities that enhance spiritual awareness and growth among members.

Hold annual Spring Dance and Christmas Party, not only to raise funds for the Association’s projects and celebrate the traditional Christmas festivities, but also, to socialize and interact with Filipinos from all over Metro Toronto and with people of varied cultural background.

Assist and/or support other Associations in carrying out their worthy projects.

Undertake the weekly line dance lessons for its Members on Wednesdays and for Seniors on Fridays.

Extended Donations to:

• Filipino Centre of Toronto, $1,000.00

• Luzon Flash Flood Victims, $ 500.00

• South Asian Tsunami Victims, $ 500.00

• Leyte Mudslide Victims, $ 500.00

Several donations have been and shall be extended to other worthy beneficiaries that will be kept in confidence.

All of FFCAV’s initiatives are made possible through the loving and united effort of its dedicated Officers and members, and of course, through the loving support of friends, families and benefactors who believe in the noble objectives of the Association.

FFCAV thank God for using its Officers, Members, Friends, Families and Benefactors as instruments in pursuing initiatives that help those who are in need.

Current Officers and Members of the Board are: Board Chairperson, Al Lero; Vice Chairman, Teri Gutierrez; President, Mario Zavala; Vice Presiden, Luthelo Penaflor; Secretary:, Res Paje; Asst. Secretary, Joy Gamboa; Treasurer, Ben Koa; Asst. Treasurer, Rudy Palmero; Auditor, Terry Ilagan; P.R.O., Bert de Lara; P.R.O., Agnes Paje; Security Coordinator, Rudy Bernardo; Security Officer, Bennie Crisostomo; Board members: Gwen Brouwer, Mila Dimal, Mila Duzon, Helen Gayola; Advisers: Ging Koa, Eva de Villa, Emille Penaflor, Evelyn Lero, Lita Palmero, Nita Pedro, Ric Gutierrez, Divin Zavala
Contact: Teri Gutierrez, 905.232.2320 – Res., 416.456.0381 – Cell, terigutierrez@rogers.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)