Having experienced first-hand the challenges faced by new immigrants when he and his family arrived in 1982, Mr. Tomas Avendaño was inspired to help other newcomers settle in Canada. In 1996, he helped establish the Filipino-Canadian Support Services Society (FCSSS), which would later be renamed as the Multicultural Helping Society in 2001.

 

He is well-known in Vancouver for his continuous involvement in supporting new immigrants. This earned him the nickname “Tatay” (meaning “Father” in Tagalog). In August 2002, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee medal for his tireless efforts to the cause. In February 2012, he then received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medial in February 2012.

 

The 2014 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism further recognizes Mr. Avendaño’s lifetime of achievement in building an inclusive and welcoming community for those starting a new life in Canada.



Highlights


· 1996: Founding Member and President, Filipino-Canadian Support Services Society

· 2001 to present: Founding Member and President/CEO, Multicultural Helping House Society

· 2002: Recipient, Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal

· 2012: Recipient, Presidential Citation for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (Banaag Award) from the President of the Republic of the Philippines

· 2012: Recipient, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

· 2012: Recipient, Maharlika Award from the Fil­Can Cultural Heritage Society

· 2012: Recipient, Lifetime Achievement Award from Multicultural Helping House Society We Care Support Group

·2014 to present: President, Multicultural Helping House Charitable Foundation

·2014: Recipient, Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism (Lifetime Achievement).

·2018: Ambassador of the Mother Language Award