INNISFAIL - More than 200 people came out to enjoy a night of music, dancing, games, food and family fun during the annual Multicultural Dinner and Dance hosted by the Phil-Can Neighbourhood Association of Innisfail.
The event, a fundraiser for the Innisfail and District Food Bank, was held at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion on April 22.
"Our mission and vision is to help the community," said Grace Gresos, chair of the Phil-Can Neighborhood Association. "The event is fundraising for the Innisfail and District Food Bank."
The event welcomed individuals and families from Innisfail and area and included over 60 volunteers from the association.
Gresos said when the Filipino community and foreign workers like herself were new to Canada, the community helped them and welcomed them to the town.
"They fed us, they opened their homes and they invited us (in). That's why we do this for the community, to pay back and help the food bank," she said.
The multicultural dinner and dance included traditional Filipino food, games, music, door prizes, a 50/50 draw and a silent auction.
"Money we get from ticket sales, the 50/50 draw and the silent auction will all go to the food bank," said Gresos.
Brenda Hand, assistant coordinator with the Innisfail and District Food Bank said they were thrilled to see the community come together and show their support.
"They were willing to donate their proceeds from this event to us," said Hand. "We are very thankful for their generosity.
"We appreciate their care and we will use their donations to support people in our community," she added. "We average about 100 food hampers per month for families and individuals."
Gresos said she too was pleased to see the support from the Innisfail community.
"I'm very overwhelmed because of the response from the people. I don't have enough words to say," said Gresos, adding it is their way of saying thank you to the community. "The Filipino community and my colleagues, we have a better life here.
"We didn't expect this kind of community that we have here. It is an amazing community," Gresos concluded.
Grace Gresos, chair of the Phil-Can Neighbourhood Association of Innisfail.
"Our mission and vision is to help the community."
