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Tag: Alberta

Singing For Our Veterans

Singing For Our Veterans
On stage performers

“27Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.” Proverbs 3:27 GNT

This Bible verse encompasses the whole idea of the INC Giving Project, a program of the Iglesia Ni Cristo,  to help, to do good deeds, and to strengthen the community.

From winter clothing drives, tree planting, and food bank donations, I’ve volunteered for each and every activity. I’m always ecstatic to see the camaraderie of the INC Giving volunteers when it comes to these activities, and the great number of volunteers and good spirits will constantly be an uplifting source of happiness for me.

Recently, the local congregation of Eastwood had an INC Giving: Singing for a Cause event. Both children and youth officers were hard at work in the weeks coming to this event; practicing songs, dance moves, and of course, being cute. Classic songs, such as “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, “You Are My Sunshine” and many more, were being prepared for the elderly at the Kipnes Centre for Veterans.

girl handing a gift to elderly man.

I had my own role at this event – being an emcee with another volunteer from our local congregation, Mia Medina. For both of us, it was our first time as emcees. So, of course, we were both anxious while we practiced. But no matter how much or how little we practiced, we could never prepare for the excitement that would come on that day.group singing on stage

On the day of the event, it was raining. But it didn’t deter the spirits of the performers or ours, the hosts. Last-minute practices of the songs and the program were echoing the halls of the building, while the elderly and their family members filled up seats. Up to the last second, our excitement was high. And then, we had a bumpy start.

After the first performance, Mia and I got a grip on ourselves and our impromptu lines. The children performed with great delight and were very cute. Our audience members were overjoyed and zealous over the kids’ performances.

One little child, in particular, surprised us with his affinity for the piano. Jian Morales, a young choir member, shocked the audience, and the other volunteers, with his beautiful rendition of classical pieces.young man playing piano for elderly residents

As the event came to a close, the final song involved the kids handing flowered presents to the elderly. It was a great experience all-round. The audience, the tech crew, the performers, and Mia and I, had a wonderful time at this event. The final words were said by the staff in charge of us being there.

As we wholeheartedly thanked them for being with us that afternoon, they respond with the same respect and thankfulness for the joy we brought them. This made all the hard work, practices, and semi-stressful times all worth it.young girl presenting a gift to elderly woman.

Doing good deeds is never a duty. It is a joy that adds to your own piece of mind and health. Small acts of random kindness is enough to create a wave of positivity and great happiness. 

Whenever we can, absolutely do good things.

About the Writer: 

Dave finished his architectural technology program at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He is applying for a Bachelor of Design degree at U of A. He is also the president of the Kadiwa, or youth group, in his local congregation and is an aspiring teacher for the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s  Children’s Worship Service.

He believes in doing good, helping others, paying it forward and encourages everyone to be kind, be helpful, and always be a friend.

Posted in Events, Giving in ActionTagged Acts of Kindness, Alberta, Appreciation, Canada, Do Good, Doing good, encouraging, helpful, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Kindness, singing for a cause, Veterans

Replenishing the Edmonton Food Bank

Replenishing the Edmonton Food Bank

The cold season in Canada is a difficult time for many families, including those in the Edmonton region.

Concerned for the community, INC Giving volunteers of the Edmonton region, came together to give a helping hand.

A food donation drive was initiated earlier this month. The INC Giving volunteers responded promptly and generously by buying and gathering non-perishable food items to donate to the Edmonton Food Bank. The support was overwhelming, and the volunteers felt joy in their hearts knowing that whatever they donated, helped numerous families in need. Volunteers empathized and understood that there was a need for food donations because many community members struggled to put food on the table for their families.

 

Boxes of donations were collected in the respective areas such as: Edmonton North, Edmonton West, Eastwood and Ellerslie in the Edmonton region. Then, two weeks later, volunteers gathered enough non-perishable food items to fill up to 445 boxes. Although the weather conditions were very cold in Edmonton, as many as 600 INC Giving volunteers came out to help the Edmonton Hagmann Fire Station and gave support to this Nation-Wide Campaign. INC Giving volunteers and firemen alike formed an assembly line, massing a stockpile of canned goods.  Excitement and joy in the air were present, as boxes after boxes piled high at the fire station. The workers at the station working that day, could not believe the amount of food donated and the amount of volunteers who showed up to support this cause.

  

Chief Fireman, Tom Groot, expressed his gratitude to the INC Giving volunteers for their willingness to give so much to the community. Also, he stated that,  “All these extra food will help people in need, such as the homeless, and will provide a good meal to help anyone in need to survive.” – Chief Fireman, Tom Groot

 

Contributed by: Jowella Mendoza

Jowella Mendoza is an active INC GIVING volunteer from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She works at a bank and spends her free time with her family and friends. Despite her busy schedule, she understands the importance of giving back to those in need because she believes that donating is an important cause that everyone should take part in, even if it’s just during a few of the day.

Posted in Events, Giving in Action, TipsTagged Acts of Kindness, Alberta, Canada, donations, Edmonton Food Bank, family volunteering, Firefighters, Food bank, iglesianicristo, incgiving, Volunteers, youth volunteering

Sharing The Warmth

Sharing The Warmth

It was snowy with a wind chill about -30 degrees Celsius [-22 Fahrenheit] outside. It was so cold that my fingers felt numb if left uncovered, and my face felt like it would crack as the frigid air hit my skin. Despite the unkind weather and wind, I joined INC members from the local congregation of Edmonton South for the INCGiving Winter Wear Drive to help the people in our community during the freezing weather.

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Weeks before, we gathered all the clothing donations – ranging from coats, to mittens, and to boots. Anything and everything that provides protection from the harsh winds and heavy snow was donated. The generosity was evident, because every table was covered with countless donations.

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The youth of the local of Edmonton South did their part, while braving the cold; by encouraging passers-by to come inside the Eastwood Community Centre for Free Winter Wear Clothing Drive. Not only was the season ideal for this particular event, but the venue was also optimal. Curious visitors, who initially came alone, left and quickly returned with friends and loved ones, when they realized that help was being provided for the entire community.

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The president, Elana Papin, and the director, Cheryl Atkins, of Eastwood Community League met with us and were truly grateful for everyone’s efforts. Through this Winter Wear Clothing Drive, mothers with children, husbands and wives, and youth alike, were able to find heaps of new winter clothing.

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They socialized with volunteers over cups of warm coffee and donuts, and expressed their thankfulness. One mother appeared surprised and happy that there were children’s clothing and shoes available for her own children, while one gentleman marveled at his good fortune in finding a leather coat in almost new condition.

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This event also gave us a chance to share our faith. Church Of Christ [Iglesia Ni Cristo] pamphlets were placed in coat pockets and were also handed out to people on the street. This INCGiving event was truly a success, as visitors came in cold but left with warm hearts and spirits.

Contributed by : Jowella Mendoza, Edmonton South, Alberta, Canada

Posted in Events, Giving in ActionTagged Alberta, Canada, Eastwood Community Centre, Edmonton, Iglesia Ni Cristo, incgiving, Winter Clothing Drive
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