
Opinions
|
Filipino Engineersvolunteer for Harvest Manitoba |
by Ethel Clemente Fernandez
Back in 2016, the Filipino Members Chapter-Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (FMC) initiated their first volunteering endeavour with Winnipeg Harvest (now Harvest Manitoba), setting a precedent for their commitment to community service. Seven years later, on July 22, FMC returned for a second time to contribute to the food bank’s goal of providing food to hungry Manitobans by volunteering their time sorting perishable and non-perishable goods.
The event, initially limited to 25 participants, received overwhelming response prompting event lead Chrislynne Concepcion and co-lead Lea Esconde to request if they could expand the participant count to accommodate more volunteers. In the end, 33 volunteers were allowed to take part, including Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba’s (EngGeoMb) CEO and registrar, Michael Gregoire and his family.
The day commenced with a video presentation to familiarize everyone with Harvest Manitoba’s mission and goals. Harvest Manitoba, according to its website, is the fourth largest food distributor of its kind in Canada and feeds over 90,000 people each month.
After the presentation, Harvest Manitoba staff led the team to the sorting warehouse where they enthusiastically engaged in sorting goods, ensuring that the donated items were carefully organized for effective distribution. They diligently checked the expiration or best before dates and identified items that were no longer suitable for consumption or use, guaranteeing that only safe and quality products make it to the Harvest Hampers.
As an additional act of generosity, FMC members and participants also donated money and most needed items to further support Harvest Manitoba.
“I once used food bank services when we were just starting out in Winnipeg. Now that my wife and I are blessed to have good jobs and a place to call home, I volunteer my time whenever I can. Volunteering is a great way to support those who are less fortunate and to give back to the community,” said Jun Tapia, past chapter chair and a returning volunteer.
To donate or learn more, visit www.harvestmanitoba.ca
Ethel Clemente-Fernandez is a professional engineer registered in the province of Manitoba. She is an active member of the Filipino Members Chapter - Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba (FMC-APEGM).