GK WALK ... a celebration in the rain!
by Robert Salvador
It was another successful GK Walk (Gawad Kalinga which means to give care). This past September 6, 2008, the annual GK Walk was held at Vincent Massey Park. Despite the rain, Filipinos and Canadians walked for the poorest of the poor in the Philippines. The rain did not dampen the spirits of the volunteers and the walkers. On the contrary, the rain doubled their enthusiasm as illustrated by the occasional sprint and long jump over a water puddle. However, as one of the walkers said, "One cannot stop the rain but one can stop the pain of the poor.
GK is an alternative solution to the blatant problem of poverty not just in the Philippines but in the developing countries. GK?s vision for the Philippines is a slum-free, squatter-free nation through a simple strategy of providing land for the landless, homes for the homeless, food for the hungry and as a result providing dignity and peace for every Filipino.
The rain was more of a blessing than a hassle. Because of it, the walkers and the volunteers further realized the true value of the GK Walk. Like the rain, the walkathon freshened up the dry bare bone existence of the people who will receive the new homes. It will bring real beginnings, real hopes, and real dreams for some of Filipinos? poor kapatid (brethren). The GK Walk collected over $12,000, which is enough to build at least 5 homes for the poor. A basic house cost $2,300.
It is amazing how generous the people of Ottawa are. In 4 years, Ottawa has built not only one village but two villages, the Formoso Village and the Ottawa Tag-ibo Village (southern part of the Philippines). Each village has at least 30 to 40 homes with a school, a community centre, and an area to grow food. As a matter of fact, the Ottawa Tag-ibo village has been completed. It has 41 homes and now prospering thanks to the support of Ottawans. Soon a new Ottawa village will be built. With the continued support of Ottawans, this new village will bring happiness to some of the less fortunate in the Philippines.
Finally, if you ever wonder what it is like to walk and sing in the rain then I suggest that you join the GK Walk next year. Because a warm heart always beats a cold rain.
Announcements
» KFC Fun Day Schedule and Driving Directions [posted July 27]
Download Kids Power Fun Day Schedule. Please send extra clothes and towel with your child.
Coming From Ottawa-East:
Drive going to Ottawa-West
Exit Moodie Drive then turn right at Moodie
At the light, turn left (this is already Corkstown Rd.)
About 500m from the Nepean Equestrian Club will be the campground.
Coming From Barrhaven Area:
Take Fallowfied Rd. going west
Turn right at Moodie Dr.
Once you pass over HWY. 417, at the first light, turn left (this is already Corkstown Rd.)
About 500m from the Nepean Equestrian Club will be the campground.
Coming From Ottawa-West:
Drive going to Ottawa-East
Exit at March Rd. / Eagleson Dr. then turn left going towards March Rd.
Once you pass over HWY. 417 and the light, stay at the outer lane and turn right at Corkstown Rd.
About less 500m from March Rd. will be the campground to your left.
» KFC Fun Day on August 2nd [posted July 22]The KFC Fun Day is fast-approaching! All kids, age 4-11, in the community are encouraged to participate in this one-day activity on Aug. 2 (Sat.) from 8:30am - 5:00pm. Children whose parents are not member of the CFC community are also invited to join as long as we have the parents' permission and signed waiver.
Registration fee is S15.00 for the 1st kid then less $5 for each sibling. Registration fee will cover the entrance fee for the use of the campground, lunch and snacks, and materials to be used for the activities. Parents and siblings less than 4 yrs. of age are welcome to stay and have a picnic (bring your own food to share with other parents) and enjoy each others' company. Entrance fee is just S4.00.
Download registration form
» MER 1 and MER 2 [posted May 29]Date: July 5 & 6 - Saturday (7:30 AM) to Sunday (12:00 noon)
Venue: NAV Canada Training and Conference Centre
1950 Montreal Road
Cornwall, Ontario K6H 6L2
For more information about the venue, you can visit http://conference.navcanada.ca/en/index.asp
Cost per couple : $170.00
Pre-requisite:
For MER 1 - couple participants must have undergone the Covenant Orientation
For MER 2 - couple participants must have finished MER 1
Please contact Adel and Julie for more details and confirmation
» 1st Saturday Pro-Life Mass and Rosary [posted April 29]This coming Saturday (May 3) at St. Theresa's Parish (95 Somerset Street, at the corner of Cartier & Somerset). As usual, mass starts at 9 am, followed by Rosary and pro-life prayers. We should be finished by 10 am. Pray that we will have even more participation than last month.
» Speaker's training on April 26 [posted April 21]We are pleased to invite everyone to a Speaker's training on April 26th, Saturday at 1:30pm to 5:30pm at the Upper Hall of Assumption Chruch. All members who have finished Covenant Orientation Seminar are eligible to attend.
See you there
» General Assembly this coming Sunday on April 13 [posted April 9]Just a reminder that we will have our regular General Assembly this coming Sunday, April 13 at 2 PM - Assumption Upper Main Hall. Bro. Jun Clarito of Toronto will be visiting to share his Mission Experiences in Africa. This will be an opportunity also for the new CLP graduates to meet him for the first time. Beautiful HOLD, you are also cordially invited to attend this General Assembly so we can worship together as a family
Let us not measure God by our own limitations, imagining Him to be what in reality He is not.

"I give you a new commandment: love one another.
As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.
This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."