Here’s a word that captures everything we’ve stood for over the last 20 years, and we just learned it: Kapwa.
Kapwa was gifted to us by our community and Mural Artists Tiffany Cuffley and Harvey Nichol in the namesake of the beautiful mural that has recently been installed on our building.
As we step into the fall of 2024, Vivo celebrates two decades of growth, community, and shared dreams. Over these 20 years, we’ve been shaped by the people around us—the community we’re so grateful to be part of. You’ve taught us what truly matters: the diverse, caring cultures that exist here and the importance of listening and learning.
Each time we asked a question, you showed up. Each time we reached out, you walked us through the answers. And once again, you’ve gifted us something powerful: Kapwa.
The Word We’ve Been Waiting For
How often do we say, “there are no words to describe it”? Whether it’s a feeling, an idea, or a moment, words sometimes fail. For years, we’ve used the term co-create to describe how we dream, work, and build together as a community. But when we learned the word Kapwa, we realized it was what we’d been searching for all along.
Kapwa, rooted in Filipino culture, means “kindred,” “neighbour,” and “fellow human.” It’s the act of seeing yourself in others—a deep recognition of our shared identity. In Kapwa, we find connection, empathy, and a spirit of communal care. It perfectly describes the essence of what we’ve built together: a community that embraces differences, works toward common goals, and uplifts one another.
A Community Built on Kapwa
This beautiful word describes the strength and resilience we see in our community every day. People from all walks of life come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. You’ve shown us that when we lean into our shared vision of healthier generations, we’re all better for it.
At Vivo, we’ve always strived to live by the spirit of Kapwa. From the early days, when we were just a dream, to today, we’ve held onto the belief that we are truly better together. Everything we’ve accomplished—the center, the charity, the research and innovation—exists because of you. Together, we’ve been living Kapwa, even before we knew the word.
Celebrating 20 Years of Community
As we enter our twentieth year, we’re excited to carry Kapwa with us as our guiding light. It’s more than a word—it’s a commitment to continue seeing, supporting, and caring for one another. It’s a reminder that, in this community, we are all connected.
We invite you to join us, not just on October 20th, but throughout the year as we celebrate 20 years of living Kapwa together. From special events to new initiatives, we’ll be honoring this milestone all year long—and we want you with us every step of the way.
Thank you for walking with us over the past two decades. Thank you for showing us the power of community and teaching us the true meaning of Kapwa. Here’s to continuing the journey, as kindred spirits, neighbours, and friends.
Save the Date: On October 20th, you’re officially invited to a celebration 20 years in the making. We can’t wait to celebrate with you—here’s to many more years of living Kapwa together.