Ugnayan-Toronto hops on to the Community

Ugnayan-Toronto hops on to the Community

Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada / Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance – Toronto Chapter (UKPC/FCYA or Ugnayan-Toronto) is calling on all Filipino youth to join them for SAKAY NA! Hopping on to the Community Scene. SAKAY NA! is Ugnayan-Toronto’s open house which takes place on Saturday, September 17, 2005, 1-5pm at the Wellesley Community Centre at 495 Sherbourne St., Room B.

Founded in November 2000, Ugnayan-Toronto has conducted education and organizing work around issues affecting the lives of Filipino Canadian youth, such as racism, family separation, challenges in education, young workers’ rights and the roots of Filipino migration.

Its current projects include active participation in the Justice for Jeffrey campaign, as well as a partnership with Scadding Court Community Centre for a Hate Crimes Project. The organization also supports campaigns in the Philippines, such as the campaign for human rights. It is also conducting a drive for school supplies for the children of the striking workers of Hacienda Luisita.

As the group approaches its fifth year, Ugnayan-Toronto’s members have resolved to step up their organizing efforts and more actively reach out to the community.

“The open house is Ugnayan-Toronto’s way of once again introducing itself to our community,” says Debbie Celis. “At the same time, we also want to take this opportunity to hear from our fellow youth what issues matter most to them as Filipino Canadians, whether they be first or second generation Fil-Cans.”

Individual youth, as well as existing Filipino youth and student organizations are invited to SAKAY NA!. According to Divine Montesclaros, “Besides being our open house, this is also a networking event. It’s a chance for young people who aren’t currently involved in the community to see that there are lots of ways in which they can get involved, and for different organizations to see how we can work together on common issues. This way, we’re encouraging young Filipinos to become active so that we can really have a voice in our community and in Canadian society.”

The open house will include a presentation from Ugnayan-Toronto, open discussion and socials. For more information, e-mail ukpc_toronto@yahoo.ca or call Mithi at (647) 273-6553.

(PRESS RELEASE)