A Filipino had brought us a reason to smile and to be proud of this race once again, Tom Avendado 83-years old of Vancouver,British Columbia, a Filipino-Canadian was awared with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubliee Medal for his significat contribution to Canda and was the Sole Filipino among the 60 Medal recipients recognized for his dedication on helping new immigrants on Canada's west coast to integrate into Canadian Society.
“The 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," Avendano said as quoted in DFA’s statement.
Avendano, fondly known as Tatay Tom, was a former councilor of Pasay City. He migrated to Canada in 1982, and took the challenge of uniting a fragmented community and sought to lead the way especially for young Filipinos
The award giving body was created to recognize the accession of Elizabeth II to the throne as Queen of Canada.