How Kababayan and Kalayaan centres create community connections

How Kababayan and Kalayaan centres create community connections

FLORDELIZ DANDAL, KMC Executive Director

Despite pandemic distancing

By Irish Mae Silvestre
The Philippine Reporter

Although it’s been months since community centres were forced to shut their doors, that hasn’t stopped organizations from reaching out to their members.

From senior outreach efforts to virtual gatherings, Filipino-Canadian community centres have been ensuring that people feel connected while self-isolating. Even as the focus shifts towards reopening plans and safety measures, organizations like Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC) and Kababayan Multicultural Centre (KMC) are continuing to find ways to support the community.

RESTY DEL ROSARIO,
KCCC President

A Virtual Community

Resty Del Rosario CPA, CGA and President of KCCC said that the organization continues to provide services, albeit online.

“We’ve delivered virtual seminars on ways to stay safe and healthy and mental health,” he said. “We also teach people how to use various virtual meeting apps like Zoom, WebEx and social media security.”

Del Rosario added that teaching members how to use meeting apps has been essential in helping people cope with prolonged isolation.

Likewise at KMC, members can avail of services by phone or email. The organization provides supportive counselling, as well as employment related services. Staff are also on hand to assist with CERB, EI, and immigration-related applications. Eight-week group sessions are also available to help people prepare for IELTS/English Conversation.

Members of Kababayan Multicultural Centre

Virtual get-togethers have proven to be essential in helping seniors feel connected and giving them space to discuss issues that they’re struggling with.

“Initially, they talked about how they were scared to go out so it was good for them to have people to talk to about their fears,” said Flordeliz M. Dandal, Executive Director at KMC.

Frequently asked questions from seniors include how they can bring their pensions and relocate to the Philippines. “Maybe because of this pandemic, they’re realizing that they want to be with their children and their family,” she added.

As organizations move to reopen and welcome members once again, Del Rosario said that people have been appreciative of the efforts they’re taking to keep everyone safe.

“Reopening the centre will be done according to the provincial health guidelines and we’ll provide hand sanitizers and may require face masks,” said Del Rosario. “We plan to make our well-attended programs available in person.”

Gabrielle Justine J. Santullow delivering grocery gift cards.

A Personal Touch

Sixteen-year-old Gabrielle Justine J. Santullow is one of a group of KMC volunteers made up of engineers, nurses, care workers and students. Wearing gloves and a face mask, she helps deliver grocery gift cards to seniors.

“Originally, we thought we’d deliver groceries but we realized it’s better to give them gift cards,” said Dandal. The organization teamed up with United Way, Community Food Centres Canada (CFCC) and Second Harvest to provide 500 gift cards; so far, they’ve had 186 recipients. “We provide $50 cards for each person and $75 cards for couples. The card allows them to buy essentials and groceries from No Frills, Loblaws, Shoppers Drugmart and more.”

Recipients are either former participants at KMC or those who simply heard about the program through word of mouth. In a few cases, volunteers used the cards to purchase and deliver groceries for those who had no family or friends to assist them. And seniors aren’t the only ones who benefit.

“We give the cards to newcomers as well because seniors aren’t the only ones who are struggling,” explained Dandal, adding that she’s been amazed by the response. Having delivered some cards herself, she said it was rewarding to meet people even if conversations took place from her car and from the safety of their garden.

“Even though volunteers are just leaving the cards and waving to seniors, it’s okay there’s still that human touch,” said Dandal. “They said that it makes them happy and feel important.”

3 Photos: I.M. Silvestre