A Volunteer Story in Toronto: Adelaida's Selfless Service

Adelaida’s story at KMC reveals how Canada becomes a sanctuary for migrant single mothers and the community that comes with being selfless. 

Adelaida Del Monte has volunteered at Kababayan Multicultural Centre for as long as she has lived in Canada. From the moment she first stepped foot onto Canadian soil to continue her caregiving career, to now starting her retirement, KMC has helped her every step of the way.

How Canada Became a Home

Before her arrival into Canada, Adelaida, her husband, and her two kids had lived in Hong Kong. When her husband passed away in 2006 and because of Hong Kong’s policy around aging employees at that time, she was at risk of being sent back to the Philippines. She knew she needed to make a financial decision that would make sense for her and her children. 

That's when Canada entered the picture.

It was then that she asked her employer if she could leave. Despite them saying that she was still strong and able to work, they granted her request and dismissed her from her caregiving duties.  

On July 1^st 2008, Adelaida was greeted by her new home in the grandest way. While waiting for her new employer to fetch her from the airport, fireworks scattered across the night sky.  

Canada welcomed me.

This was the start of her new life and a new adventure.  

Finding Kababayan in Canada

One of Adelaida’s friends landed in Canada a month earlier, starting her own journey living in The Great White North. And as friends and kababayans do, her friend brought her everywhere, showing her all the new and wonderful things that their new home had to offer.  

It was during this time that Adelaida joined Kababayan Multicultural Centre. 

First joining as a member of the women’s group, her first introduction to KMC’s caring culture was through the excursions she attended. Before the picnics and the barbecues, every member lent a helping hand. Every chair that was set up, utensil that was used, all the food that was eaten—everything was done by a member of the women’s group.  

The effortlessness of these acts eventually led to Adelaida’s desire for a deeper involvement with Kababayan, dedicating her time to supporting the events of both the women’s group and the seniors' group in whichever way possible.  

Volunteering in Toronto

Volunteering for the Seniors group from time to time has reminded Adelaida of her grandmother and the wise words she would often repeat to her as a young girl during times of disagreement, “One day, when you’re older, you will understand how I feel."

Now, at the age of 69, Adelaida deeply empathizes with the physical and mental struggles that come with aging. And with this compassion for our elders, her drive for volunteering roots itself in selflessness.

For Adelaida, this belief is best expressed in her own words:

Every finger on your hand has a role to play, so do your part and ask for nothing in return.

It’s why she continues her volunteer journey in Toronto, and why she continues to be a part of the KMC family.

On September 20, 2025, Adelaida del Monte was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year at KMC's 48th Annual General Meeting.

Finding Lifelong Friendships

Through the years of being an active community member and volunteer, she has formed a plethora of deep connections with other members.

During her interview for this story, Adelaida listed many of the trips she has taken with the women at Kababayan. Trips to Ottawa, Quebec, and even New York with a few of her closest friends from the women’s group, are remembered with fondness and joy.  

According to Adelaida, when you're at KMC:

...you feel like you’re not alone because you have a family here.

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If you're interested in getting involved with Kababayan, check out our open opportunities to volunteer.