Canada – INC Giving Project

A Reason To Give

Being a nurse, one of my duties is to administer blood/blood products, and monitor patients requiring a blood transfusion. Therefore, it is normal in my line of work to see units of blood at the hospital being brought to patients’ rooms and to operating rooms. They are a dire necessity. They help save lives.

When I heard that there would be a blood donation drive sponsored by the Iglesia Ni Cristo again this year, in partnership with the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, I was eager to participate. I donated blood for the first time last year, representing the same organization, and despite the challenge I had with my small veins, I decided to give it another try.

The first time I donated blood, the nurses had a difficult time locating my veins; it took almost 15 minutes just to find a good vein. I felt anxious thinking about how difficult it was the first time I donated, but thankfully, it was much easier this time. I felt relieved.

Sitting there, I realized that I was not well hydrated, and it took quite a while for me to fill up the bag. The next time I donate, I will make sure to drink plenty of water the night before and on the day of the event, so that I can stay well-hydrated — this will make the whole process easier and quicker.

When I finally finished, the nurses offered me juice and cookies. Afterwards, they also gave me a sticker that says “Be nice to me! I donated blood today” and a cute Band-Aid that says “I gave life”.

In speaking with my fellow volunteers at the Canadian Blood Services Clinic in Surrey, it was interesting to find that some of them have given blood numerous times in the past. One gentleman I talked to has donated blood over 25 times! Another lady said it was her 12th time!

Can you imagine the number of people those volunteers and donors have helped over the years?

I felt happy that I was able to do my small part in helping my community. As I was sitting there, I wondered about the individuals whom my small contribution will be able to help.

What are their stories? Why did they need to have blood transfusions?

Even though we don’t get to see the recipients of our donation, it is still a good feeling knowing that we can make an impact on another person’s life.

During my shift in the hospital that evening, the strangest thing happened: I had a patient who needed to have a blood transfusion, and while I was preparing to attend to him, I noticed that he happened to have the exact same blood type as me!

As I prepared the unit of blood, I smiled, and thought to myself — here is an individual in front of me who would benefit from the blood donated from donors like me.

This realization made a great impact on me. As I left the room, I proudly wore my sticker that says, “I donated blood today!” I felt even more inspired to continue to donate blood whenever I can. I hope anyone reading this would be inspired to do the same.

About the Writer:

Lou Aquino is an INC Giving volunteer from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She is an active participant in INC Giving Projects and the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation.

Lou is a Registered Nurse in a Telemetry Unit, and looks after patients with cardiac conditions. Lou takes pride in helping others and believes that as a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) it is our duty to be kind and help those who are in need.

Singing For Our Veterans

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grateful to Give

Every day, over 188 phone calls are made to the Calgary Food Bank requesting for emergency food hampers. And, so when our local congregation was first notified of the Food Bank Donation Drive Activity, I could already feel the excitement of the volunteers because we knew we would have the chance to contribute to the needs of the food bank and help those in need in our community. But even then I was surprised by just how much we could help.

Our goal was to gather 50 boxes worth of food donation, but tried our best to do more. The INC Giving volunteers spent all week eagerly shopping for items requested by the food bank – such as, canned goods and diapers.

On the day of the event, a representative from the Calgary Food Bank drove in with a large truck to pick up all 104 boxes that the region was able to fill, which weighed 8915 lbs. Despite the harsh weather conditions, INC Giving volunteers still showed up to help load the boxes, one by one, onto the truck.

It was so inspiring to see INC Giving Volunteers and the Calgary Food Bank unite to help out our fellowmen and not let the weather stop them from performing good deeds. Even the Calgary Food Bank driver’s face was really surprised to see so many people waiting outside in the snow for him. He was even more moved when we started to help load the boxes onto the truck.

Once all the boxes were in the truck ready to be dropped off, the representative thanked the INC Giving Volunteers for their time and effort and took a group photo with everyone. Calgary West’s resident minister, Brother James Lajeras, offered them a God’s Message magazine after the activity.

We often get caught up in life and sometimes take essential things, such as. shelter and food for granted. We are very fortunate here in this part of the world as we have a higher quality way of life and are lucky to be able to receive food, shelter and education every day. However, that should not stop us from helping out those in need.

I saw a quote online that said “Never judge people who have little to nothing, as one day you may find yourself having nothing at all.”

We should be thankful for what we have when some people have nothing at all. We should always try to do good deeds every day, no matter how small the act is. Even the little things, like donating that one extra can of food in our pantry, or donating that pile of old clothes in our closet, can help out someone’s life significantly. Little things can truly make a huge impact on those around you. I know it did for me.

The Calgary Food Bank serves families, individuals and organizations and rely solely on the generous support of the community. Visit http://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/ to see how you can help

Contributed by: Thea Canero

Thea Canero is an INC Giving Volunteer from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is an active participant in INC Giving Projects and the FYM Foundation. Thea is a Sociology major at the University of Calgary and hopes with her degree to help contribute and improve public social services to better support the needs of members in her community. Thea takes pride in helping others and believes that as a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) it is our duty to be kind and help those who are in need.

Contributing to ReLeaf Efforts

Nine year old Noelani sees wild blackberry bushes growing everywhere in her neighbourhood, and every summer she looks forward to picking and enjoying them. When she heard that her youth group, in the Church of Christ [Iglesia Ni Cristo] would be participating in an INCGiving event to replace invasive plants, she wanted to participate. The motivation behind her interest? She discovered that the very blackberry bushes she had grown to like were one of the invasive plants threatening her city’s rural forests.

Brethren from the Local Congregations of Delta and Surrey participate in the INCGiving Event Project ReLeaf

In celebration of National Tree Day, she joined her fellow Children’s Worship Service members at Panorama Park in Surrey, British Columbia to participate in Project Releaf. This initiative was launched by the City of Surrey in 1991, and since then over 10,000 plants and shrubs have been planted throughout Surrey’s communities.

Some tools to be used and trees that will be planted at the INCGiving Event Project ReLeaf.

Noelani and her fellow volunteers learned that, in order to benefit the habitat in Panorama Park, new native trees and shrubs need to be planted to replace invasive plants. Caitlin McDonald, a representative from the City of Surrey’s Parks Division, demonstrated how to remove the trees and shrubs from their pots and plant them in the earth. Once the demonstration was completed, the attentive volunteers all eagerly got to work. Over the next 90 minutes they worked alongside each other, sharing smiles and laughs and helped each other with tasks.

INCGiving volunteers listen intently to instructions given by the representative of the City of Surrey – Urban Forestry and Environmental Programs Section – Parks Division

From novices to experts with green thumbs, from the very young to the more mature, and from individuals to larger families, everyone enjoyed seeing the new trees and shrubs in their new, permanent homes. They all knew that, by each person contributing their small part, as a whole they were making a big impact to help the environment. More than 160 trees and shrubs, namely Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Red Alder, Big Leaf Maple, Osoberry, Salmonberry and Snowberry, were planted, and Caitlin thanked the volunteers for their help and hard work.

INCGiving volunteers, join together in planting trees during the Project ReLeaf Event.

Youth members help plant trees during the INCGiving Project, Project ReLeaf Event.

“We thought it was a really fun activity and Noelani was happy to help the environment and the community. I felt that we accomplished a lot because we planted 5 trees and plants together, and Noelani was able to learn how nice it feels to work together with her fellow youth to accomplish a goal. We’re proud that the Church of Christ continues to help the community and their fellow man by holding INCGiving events, and we’re just grateful to be able to participate.” – Paul Alegado, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

Paul and Noelani Alegado plant trees during the INCGiving Event Project ReLeaf to cover an area where the invasive plant called the Himalayan blackberry used to be. These newly planted native trees and shrubs will provide valuable habitat for local wildlife.

Prior to this tree planting activity, Noelani would have been sad to see the blackberry bushes in her neighbourhood removed. It may take some time before that actually happens, but when it does, she’ll know that the environment is better for it, and she won’t miss picking and eating those blackberries so much.

Joshua and Cecille Assim plant trees during the INCGiving Event Project ReLeaf.

Siblings, Migo and AJ Ibanez work together to plant trees for the INCGiving Event Project ReLeaf.

Noelani will remember instead how much she enjoyed planting trees, how proud she felt when she participated with her fellow Church of Christ/Iglesia Ni Cristo members in helping their community and how the new plants will give much needed food and shelter to the Surrey’s wildlife now and for the future. She’ll remember that a little goes a long way.

Contributed by: Myrtle Alegado, Surrey, BC, Canada

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Love For Our Teachers

It’s June and the school year was almost over. As many youngsters and students were already thinking of their summer plans and eagerly anticipating the upcoming months of sleepovers, no homework, and fun in the sun, it’s easy to overlook the staff and teachers who took care of our children for the last ten months. However, this was not the case for the Church of Christ, Iglesia Ni Cristo, in Winnipeg, Ecclesiastical District of Central Canada. Church members organized a Teacher’s Appreciation Day for the teachers, workers and school trustees for the different school divisions in Metro Winnipeg.

This was the very first event of its kind in this Region. And members from the Winnipeg congregations were eager to show their love and appreciation to the school teachers in attendance.

“Teachers were very important to me because they’ve allowed me to really change my community and help me shape my identity in a way where I can contribute,” says Renato Mamucud, from the Local Congregation of Winnipeg South who graduated with a Law degree from The University of Manitoba. “Teachers are one of the few kinds of people that kids see every day, that is a positive influence.”

The event featured food and entertainment, including musical performances by the children and youth of the local congregations of Winnipeg. Certificates and flowers were also given to the many teachers in attendance to show the heartfelt appreciation and gratitude the brethren had for them.

“It was just such a pleasure to be here! Just the fact that the kids wanted to include us in the event, it’s just very humbling!” says Lauree Kopetsky, a high school teacher from St. James Collegiate in Winnipeg.

When asked about his experience at the event, high school teacher Steve Halbert responded: “To be part of this was just very flattering, greatly appreciated. We had so many kids that come from families that are members of the Church. We are just very happy to be part of the festivities!”

Contributed by: Jeb Javier, Winnipeg, Canada

Spreading Joy Through Songs

By today’s standards, it is getting more and more difficult for young people to connect to the older generation. With shorter attention spans, and more tech-savvy young children, when are the opportunities for the young and old to connect in a meaningful way? The answer lies in the simplest but most powerful gift to give – music.

The INC Kids from the Local Congregation of Surrey visited Elim Village Retirement Community to share their gift of song for their INCGIVING event, Singing for a Cause. Through their gift of music, even the tiniest voices were able to bring joy to the hearts of the residents.

And as one of the youth members began playing the piano – a hum could be heard in the air – one of the residents could not help but join along. Another unforgettable moment was when one of the residents lifted his hands as if he was directing the chorus, it was undeniable that he was having a lot of fun.

After serenading each floor of the retirement home, the feeling of joy was electric, a happy energy spreading from one child to the next– for they learned that there is no better feeling than the gift of giving.

Contributed by: Sister Archierose Natividad, Surrey, Canada

Sprucing Up for Earth Day

On this year’s Earth Day, members of the Church Of Christ from the newly established Ecclesiastical District of Central Canada joined their fellowmen in showing their love for God’s gift of nature by conducting a community clean up.

Despite the cold weather, about 400 volunteers from the local congregations of the Manitoba and Saskatchewan region gathered in their designated areas early in the morning to show their unity with this project launched by the Church Administration. As a way of acknowledging this cause, the government provided Earth Day awareness shirts to the volunteers.

The activity began with an opening prayer to ask for God’s guidance throughout the course of the event. Soon after the prayer was finished, brethren were give maps and a few reminders about their respective city’s guidelines for garbage and recycling before hitting the streets.

Carrying their cleaning tools and happy faces, children and adults, together with their loved ones and friends, scattered throughout the streets, public parks, sidewalks, and all the areas their city government requested assistance in.

They also took this wonderful opportunity to share their faith by giving out God’s Message magazines, INC Media cards, and invitations for the upcoming Evangelical Mission.

Their desire to follow one of our Lord’s commandments – to love our neighbors – moved their hearts to help their fellowmen in keeping their respective communities clean and presentable in the sight of God. Activities like this also help parents and children to strengthen their ties as Christian families inside the Church. Most of all, these kind acts of giving show our love for and strong unity with our Almighty God because this is the manifestation of His continuing guidance to the Church Administration.

Contributed by: Sis. Christine Daquial, Bro. Frederick Perey, & Bro. Jan Bernard Javier, Winnipeg, Canada

Cleaning the Capital

Members of the Church Of Christ from the Local Congregation of Ottawa, Canada took part in a city wide initiative called “Cleaning the Capital”, which takes place every spring and fall. It is a joint initiative between the City of Ottawa and it’s major sponsor, Tim Hortons (the popular coffee and donut chain). Cleaning up the capital started over 22 years ago in 1994 and since the start of this initiative, more than 1 million volunteers through 16,000 projects have removed over 1.7 million kilograms of garbage from the city’s streets.

Since May 2008, brethren from this congregation, both young and old have participated in this activity every year, making this the 8th anniversary of the collaborative efforts between the city of Ottawa and the INCGiving Project.

Not even the cold and rainy weather could stop the members of the Church Of Christ from participating in this activity. With garbage bags and cleaning equipment in hand, volunteers set out to clean MacFarlane Road which is immediately adjacent to the congregation’s chapel.

The efforts lasted almost 2 hours and the impact was noticeable as brethren filled over a dozen large bags with trash collected from the streets.

Not only was this activity a great way to show the importance of keeping the environment clean, but it was also a great way to help out their neighbours and stay active members in their community.

Contributed by: Marvin Milan, Ottawa, Canada