6 February 2012 – The Right Honorable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, conferred the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to Filipino-Canadian Tom Avendano at an inaugural presentation ceremony today at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Mr. Avendano of Vancouver, British Columbia, was the sole Filipino among the 60 medal recipients recognized today for their significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region or community in Canada or bringing credit to Canada through an achievement abroad.
The new medal was created for the 60th anniversary of the Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. During the jubilee, 60,000 Canadians will be awarded the medal for their dedication to their fellow citizens, their community and their country.
“The recipients who are honoured by this medal have made Canada better,” Governor General Johnston stated. “Individually, they have improved the well-being of many in our communities, and together, they have helped to create a smarter, more caring nation. They represent a mosaic of individual experiences and accomplishments. Like Her Majesty, they inspire others to take up the call to service.”
Mr. Tom Avendano (center) receives his QE II Diamond Jubilee Medal from Prime Minister Stephen Harper (left) and Governor General David Johnston (right) Photo courtesy of Vanessa Merjudio David
In particular, Mr. Avendano, was cited “for his commitment to helping new immigrants on Canada’s West Coast to integrate into Canadian society.” The awardee gained prominence after establishing the Filipino Canadian Support Services Society (FCSSS) in 1996 which catered to distressed new immigrants and live-in caregivers. Since then, the FCSSS has evolved into the Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) founded in 2001 with funding support from the city government of Vancouver.
Today, MHHS owns a three-storey building with facilities ranging from respite housing for newly arrived immigrants and workers to counselling and training services. Other MHHS support services include settlement and employment assistance as well as programs for the youth, seniors and families.
The federal, provincial and city governments extend financial support to the MHHS Centre.
Celebrating Mr. Avendano’s accomplishment, Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan received the 83-year old awardee at the Philippine Embassy today for an exchange of views on the ever-growing Filipino diaspora in Canada. A former councillor of Pasay City, Mr. Avendano, fondly known as Tatay Tom, migrated to Canada in 1982. In the 90’s, he took on the challenge of uniting a fragmented community and sought to lead the way especially for young Filipinos. “Our extended family support system is unique. Despite our shortcomings, we can be proud of our culture. The Philippine Embassy has a strong role to play in fostering cohesiveness among Filipinos,” he counselled.
“Today’s solemn rites at Rideau was a once in a lifetime experience. I will always treasure the award conferred on me not for myself but for the good it will generate and the recognition it brings from the government and the community,” Tatay Tom added.