The Lloydminster Filipino community has rallied together to raise nearly $10,000 to return the body of 29-year-old Erwin Capuno to his native Philippines for burial. - Catherine Holmes Photo
By Andrea Nicholl
A tragedy that shook the Lloydminster Filipino community has brought the people together, raising money and rallying support for one of their own.
Friends and fellow Filipino immigrants are coordinating efforts to return the body of 29-year-old Erwin Dayrit Capuno to his homeland for burial.
“We have raised almost $10,000 within the Filipino community by workers, co-workers and friends – they just chip in some money,” said Jesse Leodones, chairperson of Filcan Lloydminster. “There’s also other businesses that contributed and SGI provided some help as well.”
Capuno was killed in a fatal two vehicle collision on the corner 53 Avenue and 25 Street on the evening of Aug. 20. Cst. Dave Kadun of the Lloydminster RCMP says the investigation is still underway though “alcohol is still believed to have been a factor and no charges have been laid as of yet.”
Capuno heard of the great opportunities Canada had to offer, especially those in western Canada. He and his common law wife, Rodalyn Morales, moved to Lloydminster two-and-a-half months ago in hopes of bettering their lives.
“We decided this couple had nothing at all,” said Leodones, adding neither resident had life insurance. “They were trying to build a family here, to get ahead in life and so that’s why we decided as a community to do something.”
“(His) parents want to send the body from Canada to Philippines, but that’s so expensive. The way I heard the amount will be close to $15,000.”
The Filipino community is 600 members strong in Lloydminster and area and all are combining efforts to send Capuno home. Leodones says there is hope to return Capuno to the Philippines within three weeks following fundraising and legalities.
“We are like a family. The Filipinos really know each other, are close to each other and support each other.”
If you would like to donate funds to assist Rodalyn and send Capuno home visit the TD Bank in Lloydminster. The account number is 81816451018, transit number 81819 and institution 004.
For more information log onto Facebook and search Filcan Lloydminster.