2018 ANCOP WALK in EDMONTON

2018 ANCOP WALK in EDMONTON


It was the perfect setting for the 15th annual ANCOP Walk in Edmonton: a slightly chilly morning breeze, green grass, a row of tents, a sea of green T-shirts, a Tim Horton breakfast buffet and a roaring band. Yes, the highly anticipated walk on Aug 25, 2018 at Millwoods Park in Edmonton was another huge success with almost 400 registrants raising initial funds of more than $25K.

Deacon Tony Obleada and the newly ordained Deacon Monching Morales from Couples for Christ (CFC) led the morning prayers followed by the apostolic blessings.

The participants were greeted with a warm welcome from the CFC Area Director Henry Gutierrez together with his wife, Millete followed by greetings from the ANCOP regional sponsor since 2014, Dolce Vita Homes, represented by Sales Manager, Jennifer Dechaine. This year, the Philippine Business Society of Alberta (PBSA) led the crop of new sponsors to the event. It was represented by the PBSA president, Celso Andrade of Sunfreight Cargo, who himself is a 2nd year ANCOP sponsor. Other sponsors were: Mariden Tours, Angeles Law Office, Grelanie Homes, Nexus Machining and Ellwood Daycare. Media staff from the Alberta Filipino Journal led by Lito Velasco, Editor, and Mo Billacura plus the 3 DJs from radio station Himig Pinoy, Roland, Joanne and Mia, graced the event as well.

Greg Parillas, ANCOP Area Coordinator in Edmonton, gave updates about the construction of a 32-unit shelter project inside Bgy. Moonwalk Village, Paranaque City, Philippines. This ANCOP Edmonton shelter project is in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Paranaque City and the local government. The construction started on May 30, 2018 and is expected to be awarded to the 32 homeless families in January 2019. A very laudable child sponsor, Quality Sleep Care, represented by Ms. Wilma Payne was called to share the company’s plans with respect to its 2 college scholars in the Philippines. Ms. Payne said, “as part of the social responsibility of Quality Sleep Care, the company sponsored 2 college students with the plan of bringing them to Edmonton upon graduation and provide them employment in the company”.

Aside from the support given to the local Food Bank in Edmonton, the Canadian Blood Stem Cell Research Team was given the opportunity to promote the “Get Swabbed Campaign” prior to the Walk and the Team was grateful to get the support of ANCOP Edmonton.

The participants were led through a vibrant limbering exercise by the CFC Leaders and guests. After the exercise, the participants carried colorful banners and proceeded to complete a one round 3 mile walk around Millwoods Park, a busy area in the southside of Edmonton.

One of the top proponents for Filipino participation is also 2017 ANCOP’s top solicitor, JC and Jenna Llanos, who have solicited $3,650.00 in donations last year. It is no wonder that the 2017 Top Team Solicitor is headed by their parents, Eng. Nap and Ely Llanos. 2018 Early Bird Registrants are Rey & Judy Lumanglas who were awarded a gift basket.

As in the past years, a raffle draw was held after the walk led by CFC West Chapter Heads Ernie and Divine Anzures who was assisted by Deacon Tony Obleada who drew the winning numbers. Lots of raffle prizes, which were donated by Sunfreight Cargo, were given away. Other prizes included bags of rice from Ms. Loida Lumanlan of ReMax, and gift baskets from the members of the United Conservative Party, led by Ms. Marjorie Newman (Glenora), Kaycee Madu (West), Jovita Mendita (Strathcona) Jeff Walters, and Laila Ho.

At the end of the raffle draw, Greg Parillas announced that cash donations for this year’s ANCOP Walk can still be made till September 30, 2018. Generous donors can contact Greg at (780) 982-9152 or they may visit the ANCOP website at: www.ancopcanada.org. Anyone interested in sponsoring a child may also visit the ANCOP website.
To end the event, Deacon Monching Morales led the closing prayer and thanked everyone for participating in this eventful occasion.

News contributor: Marizza Diaz, ANCOP Media Volunteer

Opening Prayer led by Deacon Tony Obleada and Deacon Monching Morales.
Marjorie Newman and guests walkers from United Conservative Party.
Limbering exercise before the Walk.
Giving away raffle prizes with Deacon Tony Obleada.
CFC leaders and guest leading the exercise.
Walkers-in-motion
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