Through its social program, Care for Humanity (formerly Aid to Humanity), the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) on August 6, 2022 donated aid to a community and three advocacy organizations in Montreal, Quebec as part of the celebration of its 50th year in Canada.

Hundreds of care packages containing hygiene products and non-perishable food items were distributed to residents of Côte-des-Neiges, a neighborhood that has a large immigrant and student population. Non-profit social organizations, namely, Women Aware, Advocacy for Montreal, and Chez Doris received financial aid on behalf of their beneficiaries.

With the approval and instruction of the Church Administration, the Ecclesiastical District conducted the charitable event, under the auspices of the Church’s humanitarian arm, Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation, Inc.

Present at the event, which took place at the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA Auditorium, were city officials including Stephanie Valenzuela and Sonny Moroz, city councilors for the district of Darlington in the borough of Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and for the district of Snowdon, respectively.

Mr. Moroz said, “I’m grateful for the FYM Foundation and to the Executive Minister in everything they do to make sure that they continue to deliver services here in Montreal. I don’t know what we could’ve done during the pandemic without you.”

Leah Peck, coordinator of volunteers and community relations of Chez Doris, which advocate’s women’s welfare, said the help extended to them “means a lot.” “Any donation right now would help us to push through in our expansions because these are extremely expensive projects. So, a huge thanks to you,” she said.

Meanwhile, a recipient of the aid, Oleksandr Mukka from Ukraine, said, “Events like this support us a lot and very good for our society. This makes us feel at home because we found new friends and we got to talk to other people. So, I’m very happy.”

Brother Jose Razon II, Ottawa District supervising minister, explained that the Church’s charitable program is an “expression of our love to our fellowmen.” “What we did today is the Care for Humanity with the intention to not only extend help during those moments that they are in dire need but what we are also extending is our care,” he said.

Greater Toronto District supervising minister, Brother Glendo Baitan, confirmed that “the next location for the humanitarian event will be [our] district,” giving assurance that “we will prepare so much for this event. We’ve already reached out to institutions, food banks, and shelters.” –With reports from INC News Section