Adhika to mark 41 years of community service at its annual general meeting in Toronto

Adhika Philippine Development Foundation will mark 41 years of community service at its annual general meeting in Toronto on Saturday, 31 October, with a focus on engaging younger Filipino Canadians, Mabuhay Canada reported.

Adhika Philippine Development Foundation will mark 41 years of community service at its annual general meeting in Toronto on Saturday, 31 October, Mabuhay Canada reported. The meeting will focus on expanding community involvement and engaging younger generations.

The gathering will take place at the Igorot Canadian Cultural Centre on Wilson Avenue and will run from 3 to 5 p.m. Adhika's own invitation describes it as an afternoon of "community connection, shared learning, and a look at the work ahead".

Guest speaker Leanne Lacap of Filipino Kids' Health will share insights from her work supporting Filipino families. Adhika board member JB Ramos said the gathering will recognise those who have contributed to the organisation while providing an opportunity to discuss its direction in the coming year.

"The annual general meeting is an opportunity to reflect on Adhika's work over the years, recognize the people who have contributed to the organization, and look at where we go from here." — JB Ramos, Adhika board member

Four decades of service

Founded in 1985, Adhika has supported community initiatives in Canada and the Philippines, including school breakfast programs, disaster relief efforts and cultural education, according to Mabuhay Canada. The organisation also offers newcomer wellness activities and trauma-informed Arnis workshops, which introduce participants to Filipino martial arts.

On its website, Adhika says it offers its Arnis workshops in collaboration with Combat Science: Warrior of Arts, and that its newcomer workshops give people who are new to Canada a chance to connect and embrace their roots together.

Bringing in younger volunteers

Ramos said some Filipino Canadians remain unfamiliar with Adhika and the opportunities it offers, and that established organisations cannot assume younger generations are familiar with their history. Mabuhay Canada reported that younger volunteers could contribute through communications, fundraising and proposing new initiatives.

"If we want younger generations to become future leaders, we need to build those relationships now and make sure they feel their contributions are valued." — JB Ramos

Adhika's invitation says it welcomes both people who are familiar with the organisation and those looking to connect with the community, and asks attendees to RSVP by email.

Subscribe to newsletter