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New Immigrant Support Launched
Tatay Tom with MLA Suzanne Anton
A support mechanism for the entire immigrant community was successfully launched on May 16, 2014, in Vancouver B.C.
The Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) Charitable Foundation was presented to the public by Tomas Avendano, CEO of MHHS Society. Tatay Tom, as he is fondly called by everyone, said the foundation is an answer to the changing needs of newcomers to Canada.
He explained, “The foundation is neither above nor under the society, but parallel to it. It has its separate board, separate functions, and separate constitution and bylaws. It will have its own website and its own staff.”
MHHS Foundation CEO Tomas “Tatay Tom” Avendano
Philippine Consul General to Vancouver Neil Frank Ferrer welcomed the arrival of the Foundation. Congen Ferrer said he hopes “the foundation will be a step toward making the most of the scarce resources made available to nonprofit organizations.”
He added, “despite its separation from the MHHS and assuming its own distinct legal personality, we trust that this foundation will continue to work closely with MHHS and other community organizations and stakeholders on projects and activities aimed at the successful integration and settlement of newcomers in B.C. and in Canada.”
PCI Publisher Alan Yong with MHHS Foundation CEO Tomas “Tatay Tom” Avendano
Also unveiled that night was the Tatay Tom Bursary and Scholarship program, the latest addition to the package of new immigrant services offered at MHHS. Meanwhile, volunteer Agnes Tecson also presented the new website as an added resource for new settlers.
Aside from Ferrer, other wellwishers during the event included Suzanne Anton, Minister of Justice and BC Liberal Party MLA for VancouverFraserview; MP Don Davis; Deputy Consul General Anthony Mandap; Alan Yong, CEO of Times Telecom, Philippine Canadian Inquirer and Juan Radio; Mrs. Miriam Ferrer, wife of Congen Ferrer; and Cecilia Ampeso, wife of former consul general Jose Ampeso.
