BY Tom Choy

Vancouver, British Columbia

“The very first time I saw the glimpse of what a Knights of Columbus brother does was when I was representing my grade school in the Spelling Bee contest in the Philippines, I knew I wanted to be like them,” recalls Brother Arcie Lim, the immediate Past State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus of BC and Yukon. The contest was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus of the Philippines. 

After only a couple of years of immigrating to Canada around 40 years ago, Arcie did not have to be convinced to join the Knights of Columbus, a major pillar of the Catholic Church. When he was first recruited as a member,  he was already in in his mind. Arcie declares, “ I did not waste anytime signing up.” And the rest is history. A “Servant Leader” is born.

“ I consider Canada home now but my heart is still close to our Motherland, “ confidently explains Arcie. As the former late  Philippine President Cory Aquino said, “ The Filipino may have left the Philippines but the Philippines never left the Filipino.”

Aside from his active involvement with the Knights of Columbus, Brother Arcie still finds time to do community work. He is the 2nd Vice President of the United Filipino Community Association of BC(UFCA BC). This is the umbrella organization of the various civic  Fil-Canadian member associations. He was a past President of the Circulo Pampangueno(CP)  which provides yearly scholarships to needy but bright Philippine students. He is the current Assistant Auditor of CP.

How has the Knights of Columbus helped  other people aside from helping fellow brothers and their families? Arcie said “Last year our total donation to various charities was $3.8 M.” He continues, “We are also scheduling to ship one container of wheelchairs to the Philippines next year.” Not shabby for a fraternal organization designed to help members and their families. They exist to help other people as well.

Brother Arcie said that they are teaming up with the Knights in Manitoba and California in the hope of sending around 4 containers of wheelchairs to the needy people of the Philippines.

Their other projects are Coats for Kids, Food for Families, the Refugee Relief Program and the Special Olympics to name a few more.

Why is Brother Arcie doing all his volunteer work? “I believe in being a ‘Servant Leader,’ “ quips Arcie. “A genuine leader is genuine at heart—willing to sacrifice, share and teach,” continues Arcie.

Having reached one of the top positions in the Knights of Columbus, Brother Arcie does not want to stop being a true “Servant Leader.” Having boundless energy and faith in God, expect Brother Arcie to be a constant helping hand to people who are in need.

Photo credits: Brothers Henry Mercado and Christian Cunanan