Maripipi, Philippines
Education support for a child beginning in or near Grade 1, delivered through a school or local partner selected after due diligence.
Sidney Moen Cairo · May 14, 1999 – June 27, 2020
02 — The story behind the name
A joyful heart. A curious mind.
Sidney Moen Cairo was born on May 14, 1999, in Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands. On July 10, 2004, he and his family immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, beginning a new chapter together.
Growing up, Sidney was a happy, inquisitive child who loved books and history. He was always eager to learn more about the world. His parents nurtured that curiosity through travel, taking family trips around the world two or three times a year so he could experience different cultures and deepen his understanding of other people’s traditions and ways of life.
His love of learning began early. At three years old, Sidney started school at Brilliant Star Montessori in Saipan. His parents remember how excited and happy he was to begin, and how eagerly he shared what he had learned each day.
After the family moved to Winnipeg, Sidney attended Montessori Academy for pre-kindergarten, followed by Chancellor School from Grades 1 through 6. He continued at St. Maurice Catholic School for Grades 7 and 8, then attended St. Paul’s High School from Grades 9 through 12.
Sidney went on to the University of Manitoba, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in History as his path toward studying law. At the time of his passing, he was in his third year, continuing the love of history and learning that had been with him since childhood.
Sidney loved people. His parents remember how easily the people he met became his friends. Friendly and warm, he treated everyone with respect and listened closely when others spoke. His special regard for elders reflected the Filipino values that came so naturally to him.
Even as a young child, Sidney showed a thoughtful concern for other people’s feelings. When he had a personal observation about someone, he would often wait until the family was home to share it privately with his parents. He did not want his words to hurt or embarrass anyone.
That same consideration was reflected in his quiet generosity. Only after his passing did his family discover that he had been sponsoring girls in Peru and El Salvador, when letters and messages from the sponsored children arrived. His parents continued that support for another three and a half years.
On June 27, 2020, while hiking with his family at Riding Mountain National Park, Sidney suddenly collapsed. He did not recover and passed away en route to Neepawa Hospital. He was 21 years old.
SIMOCA Foundation carries his name and his spirit forward through a commitment to children’s education: honouring a young man who loved learning, welcomed people, and cared about the lives of others.
Remembered by his parents, Ramon and Clarisa Cairo.