To help the needy and feed the homeless, a retired Filipino nurse named Edwin Padilla performs on the street
EDWIN PADILLA – A retired Filipino nurse in Canada continues to inspire many by feeding those who are homeless and needy through the money he collects by performing.
The 77 Filipino-Canadian lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He has been singing in various parks and locations in Vancouver for two years, which he started during the pandemic. Edwin engages in street performing or busking, where he accepts donations from passersby.
However, Edwin’s performances are not just for his own enjoyment. He was inspired to do this after being moved by Cardinal Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle’s words in one of his sermons during the COVID-19 lockdown. He was struck by the phrase “Love God and love your neighbor.”
He came up with busking as a way to help the homeless in some areas of Vancouver and those in need in his hometown in Laguna, Philippines. Edwin practiced using his ukulele, and once he gained confidence, he performed in parks and other places in Canada. During his performances, Edwin has a sign board indicating his busking intention: to help the homeless and fellow Filipinos in the Philippines.
On his first day of busking, Edwin discovered that many people wanted to help those in need. According to Edwin, there are times during his busking when donations reach up to 180 Canadian dollars or PHP7,000. He also noticed that most of the donors are young Canadians.
Edwin uses the money he collects to buy ingredients and cook set meals that he distributes to the homeless in his area in Vancouver. The retired Filipino nurse also noticed that the number of homeless people on the sidewalks and those living in tents on the streets of East Hastings, Vancouver, has increased since the pandemic. He sends money to the Philippines through a trusted family friend who buys food to distribute to Filipinos in need. Edwin has helped up to 350 people.
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