Members of PAK met with members of Ashburton College on Friday to hand over two tablets to students who need them (from left): Dave Caballero, Carolyn Clough (head of junior school), Ross Preece (principal), Brian Reodique, Jeff Battad and Kristian Earl Jacob Cabrera. Photo supplied.A Mid Cantabrian clan of Filipino friends are quickly earning a good name for themselves around the district as they deliver help to those in need.

The group, known as Pagong Ako Kuyang (PAK) or “I am turtle brother”, formed at the end of last year have already helped stock up the Salvation Army Foodbanks, completed chores on behalf of Ashburton’s elderly, and on Friday, completed a donation project at Ashburton College.

Member Brian Reodique said the latest project came about somewhat “spontaneously”, after hearing that some of his son’s classmates were unable to bring a device to their classes.

From this year, all Ashburton College students are required to bring a tablet or computer to school, so Reodique suggested to PAK that they donate tablets to the college for the new entrants that cannot afford their own.

The group met with principal Ross Preece and head of junior school Carolyn Clough to hand over two new tablets on Friday, and they were received with much gratitude.

Also on the cards for PAK is a project at Ashburton Hospital maternity ward, where the group will soon be donating welcoming gifts for new babies and their families.

Member John Paul Belarmino said though PAK was founded as a group of Filipino immigrants, they are open to anybody interested in joining and help them promote charitable causes, regardless of their nationality.

By Katie Todd © The Ashburton Guardian - 21 February 2018