Melinda Parreño Rustia is a highly respected member of the CPFW Advisory Council. She is the Founding President of THE KOL HOPE FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN, the first and only charity of its kind in North America that supports Children born with Trisomy-related abnormalities. The Foundation currently has 4 beneficiaries: The Kol Hope Fund at Sick Kids in Toronto supports the Genetics Department, providing scientists with resources to analyze new breakthroughs that will lead to the cure of chromosome abnormalities. The Fund has helped build the Genetics Clinic at Sick Kids including an examination room fully equipped with the best and highest standards of medical equipment. Kol Hope also supports Easter Seals Canada in its mission to help children with physical disabilities across Canada to acquire wheelchairs and specialized mobile equipment customized to the need of each child. We also provide respite care and annual summer camp trips for these children. The Foundation also gives financial aid to 2 various schools and institutions in the Philippines, namely, the BACOLOD BOYS HOME and the HOLY INFANT NURSERY FOUNDATION for the children’s food, shelter, clothing, medical care and education. To date, a combined total of 1.8 Million pesos have been donated to both homes in Bacolod City, Philippines. Most recently, the Foundation donated 200,000 Pesos to St. Martin De Porres in Cebu, a special school for children with Down Syndrome. The Foundation is named after her grandson KOL RUSTIA who was born with Trisomy 13/3P Syndrome, a rare and fatal genetic disorder. Though he was diagnosed to live only 3 months after birth, Kol lived until the age of 14. Kol Rustia passed away peacefully on October 9, 2011.
Melinda completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos. Melinda’s career in Canada began with North American Life Assurance Company and then in Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, both in the capacity and role of Marketing Executive. In 1998, she became the President of MPRINT, a Canadian printing firm that offers a complete suite of integrated printing and marketing solutions. In 2006, she became the CEO and President of PEAK INTERNATIONAL LTD. a global
holding company whose diversified international operations includes branding solutions, broadcast design, TV branding and advertising. These days she is focusing on her editorial work as Publisher and Editor of IFILIPINO MAGAZINE, Canada’s First and Only Filipino Magazine for Achievers.
Recipient of many awards, she was the only Filipino representative from the 800,000-strong Filipino Community to win the 2012 OUTSTANDING ASIAN CANADIAN out of 3.4 million Asians, conferred by the Canadian Multicultural Council Asians in Ontario, May 6, 2012. She also received the most prestigious CENTENNIAL DISTINGUISHED AWARD for HUMANITARIAN AND SOCIAL WORKS during the 100-Year Celebration of Negros Occidental High School, Philippines, April 19, 2002. On May 4, 2002 she was honored as one of the MOST OUTSTANDING FILIPINO–CANADIAN AWARD for Community Service by the Binibining Filipinas World Pageant Canada. On June 17, 2001, she received from Consul General Susan Castrence of the Consulate General Toronto a SPECIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE AND PROFESSIONALISM as President of Asociation Negrense Canada recognizing her leadership and humanitarian dedication for improving the lives of orphans and sick children in Bacolod City, an unprecedented donation of $20,000 dollars or over a Million Pesos to the Bacolod Boys Home and Holy Infant Nursery Home. On March 19, 2011, Melinda received the MOST BEAUTIFUL FILIPINO IN CANADA AWARD of Recognition conferred by IPEN INTERNATIONAL
Melinda is a CHARTER FOUNDER of the Philippine Press Club of Ontario (PPCO) and formerly served as the first Board Director. She was married to the late Armando Rustia and has 2 children, Jeff and Michael Rustia.
