ANCOP WALK 2011 CALGARY

It has been a day that should be remembered and look forward to with those hundreds of enthusiastic and zealous walkers who joined the Annual ANCOP Walk in Calgary on a cool and sunny Saturday at Edworthy Park. It was on the 27th of August that our brothers and sisters from Couples for Christ in Calgary, Lethbridge and Cranbrook left their homes, wore their green t-shirts, armed with the full armour of God and participated in the event which they believed was a great share of their time and resources to support the work of ANCOP.

The walk kicked off with an opening prayer after the participants was warmly welcomed by Leo Relleve a dynamic emcee from Handmaids of the Lord. Rosco Doromal, area head of Calgary gave the opening remarks followed by a short message from Rick Orman, one of the Premier hopefuls of Alberta. Orman was also involved in fundraising for the casualties of strong earthquake in the Philippines in 1991 where Central Luzon and Baguio were hardly affected by the calamity which he was able to raise $50,000 for the victims. Warm up exercise followed headed by Marissa Madridejos and the walk proper began thereafter.

There were cheers and delight in the hearts of walkers as the group from CFCs, HOLD, SFC, YFC and KFC repeatedly delivered their chants while proudly showing their banners and placards along a 3 kilometer (one way) stretched in Edworthy Park towards under the bridge in 16 Avenue. Adding to the excitement was the cooperation of our sponsors such as Faithlife Financial Insurance, RIA Remittance, Quezonian and Friends of Calgary, Rick Orman entourage, and others who shared their means and devoted hours in the walk.

Indeed a genuine display of unselfish love for the poor was witnessed on that day and the desire to truly respond to God’s call of helping the poor realize their dreams of brighter future was manifested as evidenced by almost 300 walkers, a triple in number compared to last year. The Cluster Music Ministry inspired the walkers with their motivating, encouraging and inspirational music rendered after the walk that was really felt in the dance, moves and festive mood of everybody. As expressions of gratitude different awards such as: Solicitor Award, Youthful Walker Award, Elderly Walker Award, Wholesome Family Walker Award, Walk Miler Award, Early Bird Award were given to deserving individuals and groups.

This year’s walk was spearheaded by the Handmaids of the Lord under the leadership of Sally Doromal and Remy Gayanilo in coordination and guidance of ANCOP Core Team composed of German and Amor Roldan, Manny and Cecile Sison, Padi and Lilian Seva, Eddy Argota, Mina Baluyot and Jessica Diala.

Headed by the ANCOP Coordinator of Calgary, the activity ended up with words of thanksgiving and felicitations to all those who have been very instrumental in making the walk a success, announcement of the possible venue of next year’s ANCOP Walk and Closing Prayer.