An immigrant who is working as a continuing care aid at the Gateway Lodge has been honoured for her generous nature by being named immigrant of the year.
Melinda Sevilla was celebrated at the Second Biennial Immigration of Distinction Awards Ceremony at the Painted Hand Casino in Yorkton on November 19, and received the Partners in Immigration and Integration (PII) Immigrant of the Year Award due to her hard work in her occupation and in volunteer opportunities.
She attended the event with many family members and friends including Ken and Linda Rolheiser and Laurie Tomcalla of Canora.
Despite being celebrated for warm generosity, Sevilla seemed to be the most grateful for being honoured with the award.
“I think the first word that comes to mind is ‘grateful,’” said Sevilla.
Sevilla was grateful to many people, particularly her family, which consists of her partner Stewart Doan and her two daughters, Hannah and Hannelle.
“They’re really great and patient,” she said of her daughters, adding that she has been told by many people how understanding her girls are. “When I take people in and give them a place to stay, I always ask my daughters first.”
She remembered and was grateful towards her parents and three brothers, who she said taught her well.
Sevilla mentioned that “of course” she is grateful to God, for “giving me the opportunity to experience the gift of life.” Her faith encourages her to take part in the duty of being kind to others.
Sevilla also acknowledged the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church’s parish, which she joined upon moving to Canora in 2008 and which she served in as a youth minister and now as a youth group co-ordinator. The parish recognized Sevilla’s award during a mass on November 27.
The Parkland Filipino Canadian Association, of which Sevilla has been president since 2013, was another group to which she expressed gratitude.
“We have an amazing Filipino community in Canora that makes me consider the great roots we have. This award is a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, we can truly make a difference,” Sevilla said. The Association received the Immigrant Group of the Year Award at the event.
Aside from a symbol of gratitude, Sevilla considers the award to be an “affirmation that I did great things,” she said, and as an inspiration as she continues her journey, which she stated was certainly difficult.
Sevilla came to Canada in 2003 under the live-in caregiver program, according to her biography from Yorkton Partners in Immigration and Integration. It took her five years to receive permanent residency after working at various nursing homes in Estevan, Yorkton and Kamsack. She was finally reunited with her family when she moved to Canora in October of 2008.
“When I left for Canada, my youngest daughter was five months old. The next time I saw her, she was six,” said Sevilla to indicate the hardships she had to face.
It is perhaps these challenges that made her more inclined to give generously since starting her life in Canora.
“It’s easy for me to give because I remember not having anything. I don’t wait for recognition; I just want to give back.”
Despite being busy with work and raising her two daughters, Sevilla spends her spare time helping newcomers in any way she can, said the biography. She often offers her home to those in need and provides financial help for those going through crises.
“If someone knocks on the door, I will always say ‘yes,’” she said.
Sevilla is “touched” that she received this award as acknowledgement for making a difference. “This is something that can’t be bought,” she said.
Sevilla is now the Filipino community’s biggest supporter and advocate and serves as an inspiration to many of the Filipinos in the region, according to the biography.
As an immigrant, Sevilla knows that it “takes a lot of courage” to show one’s true self when arriving in a new community, but she said she is inspired to continue with her efforts.
“Kindness is free. Hopefully the Canora community will learn to never stop trying to make a difference.”
