You cannot do all the good the earth needs, but the earth needs all the good you can do. – Jana Stanfield
To help those in need is one of the most selfless actions we can do, so why don’t we do it more often? I understand that one action of ours may not register to our critical minds as something that will incite great impact or benefit. But I hope to influence you otherwise.
My name is Margaret Anne Rodrigo. I am a Filipino- Canadian born in Toronto and raised in Brampton. I am pursuing my Honours Bachelor of Art in Environment and Urban Sustainability with a completed minor in Geographic Analysis at Toronto Metropolitan University. (Formerly known as Ryerson University.) Aside from a sleep-deprived student, I am an international beauty queen advocating for Food Security and Environmentalism.
Competing in my first pageant, Miss Manila 2017 based in Toronto, ON, I won Second Princess and Best in Terno with bright eyes and a big dream. Headed by the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe Canada and Balita, I was introduced to the pageant world where beauty was not the only aspect at the forefront of the competition. Shortly after, I became the host and trainer for the 2018 and 2019 editions leaving me more empowered by the intelligent women I met. This included the contestants but most importantly the women who run the show; Tita Odette Aguinaldo, Tita Sue Aguinaldo, Tita Tess Cusipag, Tita Lurvie De Blois, Tita Estrelita Aguinaldo, and many more mentioned on their Fiesta Filipina website.
Continuing my studies, I was taken in by the Canadian pageant group, IPEN Canada with President Edgar Sulit and Co Pres Jam Rodriguez where they broadened my horizons in the pageant world. Due to the pandemic, my pageant plans were paused as the Mutya Ng Pilipinas Canada 2020 title holder. Where candidates from each province of the Philippines and Filipinas overseas compete in Manila, Philippines for multiple crowns. It is with great honour that I will compete this Nov 22nd- Dec 4th in the Philippines as Mutya Ng Pilipinas Canada 2022! The postponement of the pageant did not mean the work would stop. I volunteered in any way I could to support my advocacy of Food Security and Environmentalism as experience was the key to understanding and educating. I will also conduct feeding programs and school supplies donations to the youth in the Philippines.
I was introduced to food programs as a grade 4 student living in Etobicoke. The St. John Vianney Elementary School states “The school now has a snack program whereby students are given nutritious healthy snacks before morning recess.” This ensures students who are not provided with healthy snacks are not left behind due to food insecurity. Food insecurity is caused by financial barriers in which healthy food and an abundance of food cannot be supported. According to the City of Toronto, food insecurity affects almost 1 in 5 Toronto households and is increasing in percentage as inflation targets our grocery stores. The City of Toronto recognizes the benefits of food programs aid in alleviating this growing problem. The Canadian government can tackle this problem with income support programs and policies that accurately show the expensive cost of living and healthy eating. On the micro-scale, our actions can create an impact by donating to food banks, volunteering our free time to food kitchens, and by raising awareness in our communities.
Food insecurity grew exponentially during the pandemic, as was apparent in my suburban area of Brampton. This summer from July to October, I dedicated time as a Kitchen Assistant at Regeneration Outreach. I, along with volunteers ranging in age and professional careers, helped prepare, cook and assemble over 180 healthy meals 3 times a day for patrons in the community. It was a hot July day in the kitchen, I was sweating through our uniform of long sleeves and long pants when I was asked, “Why did you choose to volunteer here?” I simply explained I had lived in the community since I was 11, and now at 21, it was long overdue to give back to my neighbours. The kitchen program serves patrons free hot meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 365 days a year. According to the Regeneration Outreach website, the kind souls of Regen have served 57 000 meals annually, and 1.2 million lbs of food recovery. 25 partnerships, 21 000 volunteer hours, and 350 households served with groceries weekly! Aside from volunteering in the kitchen, I have supported the other services of Regeneration Outreach through their Non-Profit Thrift Store donating quality clothes, kitchen wares, and housewares. The influx of reselling has made Big Name Second-hand shops upsell the donated goods, and I assure you, Regen keeps their prices low with weekly sales! All profits go toward the initiatives of Regen with notable mentions including their, Health care, Community care program, and Food Market place. A quick Google search will lead you to your closest food bank or donation center where your generosity of time or goods will help a neighbour in need.
The environment has always had a special place in my heart from elementary school to university, leading in environmental initiatives. I have been with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority team (TRCA) as a Stewardship/ Youth Volunteer conducting events for youth and the public since 2018, learning and growing with every event. I have taught youth about invasive species, the importance of honeybees, microplastics, and native plants, to name a few! TRCA is always accepting new volunteers in addition to their Newcomer Youth Green Economy Project where TRCA provides 10 hours of knowledge into the Environmental sector. Additional projects include supporting Tree Canada’s goal to “plant and nurture trees in rural and urban environments, in every province across the country.” My actions may seem small, but if I can influence a few to follow suit, imagine the change we can make.