By Kay Mountford
There have been numerous occasions when I have been so proud and grateful to be Canadian: at school, at Church and while travelling abroad.
Probably the most memorable time ever was when I travelled to the Philippines.
I am a travelling volunteer with Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW). This is a Canadian charity that distributes bedding, clothing and school supplies to some of the poorest children in the world. (We are a true charity, sending 100% of all money raised to the children.) I have been to Africa and India with SCAW. But it was our distribution trip to the Philippines that was the most touching.
We stopped at 11 different locations across the islands. The same sequence of events followed at each and every location. About 500 children, their families and volunteers waited patiently for us to arrive at each site. As the ceremony commenced, they would all sing the Filipino national anthem for us.
Then our small team of only 6 Canadians, adorned with Canadian hats and flags, would literally belt out our Canadian anthem.
We were all so proud to be Canadian, doing what we do best—living and giving generously!
This trip was how I celebrated my 50th birthday.
