WINNIPEG — Prominent members of the Filipino community are outraged after it was discovered food donated to the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba has yet to be sent overseas.
“We were very much disappointed about it,” said Aida Champagne, president of the Filipino Seniors Group of Winnipeg. “Sitting on the goods for two months is long overdue.”
Earlier this week, the Philippine Canadian Centre admitted it was sitting on more than $70,000 in relief money because it was waiting for the federal government to match those funds. Now its president says he was wrong.
“It’s an honest mistake,” said Lito Taruc, president of the organization. “I’m apologizing.”
The Philippine centre held off on sending food because there was a shortage of help over the holidays, but community members said that’s inexcusable.
“It’s disheartening. The victims could have used that money and food when the tragedy happened,” said Jon Reyes, president of the Manitoba Filipino Business Council.
The Philippine centre has had financial problems for years. Until last October, the organization owed almost $50,000 in back taxes to the City of Winnipeg.
After obtaining a copy of the organization’s 2013 annual report, more issues were discovered this past fiscal year.
From April 2012 to March 2013, the Philippine centre was $70,000 in the red. And even though there are more than 150 members, the organization only collected $12 in membership fees last year.
Global News asked Taruc about these problems but he deferred to the treasurer, who was out of the country.
“It’s unacceptable,” he said.
The relief money and food is to be shipped next week.
Comments