A group of Filipino seniors, volunteers and guests spent a day with City of Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett to celebrate Christmas with them and present gifts to Mrs and Mrs Maria and Mamerto Catayas whose daughter and granddaughter passed away in the recent Yolanda typhoon tragedy in the Philippines. It was a relaxing day as the Mayor sat and ate pansit bihon, spring roll and beef caldereta with the Filipinos.
The “Christmas with the Filipino Community” was held last 18 December 2013 at the Filipino Seniors Wellbeing Day Centre in Doveton. The Filipino seniors performed Christmas carols, while the Australian Multicultural Seniors Support Group of Frankston presented Pandanggo sa Ilaw dance number and Christmas songs using colourful musical bells.
The Mayor also acknowledged the efforts of Filipino volunteers for joining Australia’s 10,000 volunteers who are putting themselves out for the community. These volunteers, he said, are assisting the City of Casey in delivering better services to the community. The Mayor presented gifts to the Filipino volunteers.
Councillor Damien Rosario of River Gum Ward and Sam Afra of the Ethnic Communities Council of the South East delivered messages to the Filipino community extending sympathies to the affected families at the same time admiring their strong spirit to re-build lives despite the ruins. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Although we should celebrate this Christmas season but we should also remember those who have lost their family members and were affected by the devastation.”
Norminda Forteza is the Manager of Home and Community Care, while Cynthia Norton serves as the Chairperson of the Australian Filipino Community Services.
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