PAMANA ng LuzViMinda Folkoric Dance Company of Montreal participated in the multicultural festival “Heritage Days” on July 29^th until August the 4^th, 2009, in the City of Edmonton.  They were hosted in Edmonton by KARILAGAN DANCE SOCIETY.

The two groups have been twinned under a project funded by the SEVEC Youth Exchanges Canada Program. The program is aimed at youth groups between the ages of 12-17 from various provinces and territories across Canada.

Over 5,000 young Canadians traveled in Canada last year thanks to the SEVEC Youth Exchanges Canada Program, which is partially funded by the Government of Canada through Exchanges Canada, and the Department of Canadian Heritage.  In addition, Le Societé Parc Jean Drapeau and Folklore Canada International volunteers made a significant contribution to this project to bring the two groups together in Montreal and share their combined talents on stage.

We are thankful for this community’s generous input and sponsorship.  This is a clear example of a successful community partnership where families, businesses, leaders, organizations and the government have joined forces to encourage personal growth, community pride and a greater understanding of our Canadian heritage, concluded Miss Veraida-Lyn Bermejo, President of PAMANA ng LuzViMinda and Memen Dimailig, President and Artistic Director/Choreographer of Karilagan Dance Society of Edomonton, Alberta.

"We have to keep working and encouraging everyone to get involved, so that our people here have the resources to support their family members and friends who have been severely affected in their countries of origin," emphasized Borough Mayor Michael Applebaum.

"The Filipino community is an integral part of our city. When our fellow citizens, our friends, are affected directly and indirectly by a catastrophe, it is our duty to help them and take action," added Marvin Rotrand, Councilor for the Snowdon District.

The CDN-NDG Borough Council voted on September 29 to contribute $2,000 to FAMAS to help the organization offer assistance for victims of typhoon Ketsana, which ravaged the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
For more details on the emergency assistance efforts, we suggest that you contact FAMAS at 514-341-7477.

Source:            CDN-NDG borough
Information: Michel Therrien: 514-872-8211
Chief of communications and public relations