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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - An Aurora College mathematics instructor and his wife have been doing their part to improve the lives of people in a village in the Philippines.

Bheng Argente is from Union, a community of 800 people in Surigao del Norte province. Robert Goulet met Argente through a friend. They developed a relationship through email before he finally went there in 2004 to meet her. They married a year later.

Robert Goulet, pictured, and his wife Bheng Argente, created an organization called Hilut in a small village in the Philippines called Union. The couple has provided a water well, sports equipment, medical aid and food for members of the community of 800 people. - Jason Emiry/NNSL photo

"I was taken so much by where she lived, the culture and how peaceful and happy the people were," he said.

"I felt for the first time in my life that I had the ability to help people, because of our wealth here. Their needs are many, but many of the needs can be met by not-so-large amounts of money."

First, Goulet helped Bheng's father design and build a house. Then he saw a need for sports equipment in the local school.

They began raising funds by collecting bottles upon their return to Yellowknife in 2005. With the money they received, they purchased sports equipment and school supplies in Yellowknife which he gave the students the next time he went to the Philippines.

"Now they can practise for a tournament," said Goulet. "Before they could just show up."

The couple wanted to do more so they began Hilut in memory of Argente's father, Teofisto, who died in 2006. Hilut which means "healing" in the Visayan language. Hilut is an organization that provides help for less fortunate people.

Goulet said Hilut is not a registered charity at the moment, but a way to help people in need.

"We never sat down and made a five year or 10-year plan," said Goulet. "The first thing we said is let's help the senior people. My wife and I were living here when we said that. How the heck are we going to start an organization when we're here and they're there? So we sent them money."

Hilut began assisting seniors with meals, medication and medical transport in partnership with an Australian aid program.

This past summer, Hilut became involved in offering financial aid to people who need operations. Two patients with acute osteomyelitis (a bone infection) were transported to hospital in Cagayan de Oro for treatment.

Hilut is developing a partnership with the Philippines government, Department of Social Services and AusAid, the Australian government's overseas aid program, in order to raise funds for medical treatment.

Hilut is also involved in digging water wells, creating a library for children, providing health education and offering first aid services.

"What we're looking at is why do people get sick?," said Goulet. "What can we do to help and prevent them from getting sick in the first place? We need some health education."

Goulet said they welcome in-kind donations of clothes, books and first aid supplies.