Filipinos in Saskatoon hold trade show for stricken compatriot

“It’s called Proudly Pinoy Filipino inspired Trade Show,” event organizer Joseph Amodia, founder of the Filipino Community Foundation of Saskatchewan, told CTV News. SCREENGRAB

Filipino vendors in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, are selling Philippines-themed goods to help a compatriot who needs a kidney transplant.

The first edition the Proudly Pinoy Filipino Trade Show was held last weekend at the multipurpose venue The Studio a Midtown Mall.

“It’s called Proudly Pinoy Filipino inspired Trade Show,” event organizer Joseph Amodia, founder of the Filipino Community Foundation of Saskatchewan, told CTV News.

“One hundred percent” Philippine clothes, crafts, beauty products and more, for Saskatoon resident Melissa Cordon, who needs a kidney transplant and must make an important trip back to the Philippines.

The waiting line for a kidney transplant in Canada is five years, according to the CTV News report, but Cordon has found a donor match in the Philippines.

The trade show will help fund her trip. The vendors are also selling kidney-themed items for fun.

“This one says ‘You gotta be kidney me,’ she needs a kidney so this is a really cute bag,” Camille Camantigue told CTV News.

The Filipino Community Foundation of Saskatchewan plans to hold more such events for a good cause, Amodia said.