Compassion
and
Service
are
Inseparable.
Angela Kazi
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Havoc Again : (
Well, we all knew the time was coming, but it still doesn’t make it any easier. On November 13th 2002, the houses of all of our families were broken down again...and this time for the last time.
The families are much more eager to find a solution this time, and are even willing to help work towards the solution rather than expecting the solution to just happen...or to be given to them in their laps from us.
Hopefully this attitude of wanting to help themselves continues and new houses can be found as soon as possible.
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Partnership with US Organization:
Alliance for Youth Achievement (AYA)
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The middle of October brought about a wonderful opportunity for us and it seems we passed with flying colours!
Joanna Conti came to visit us, to see our work and decide if it was within their criteria for giving help. It wasn’t the best day for her to come as it was a big Indian Holiday (Dussehra) and we were not running class—government holiday and so the school was locked.
I met with Ms. Conti first and we hit it off immediately. After sitting and talking, I took her on a tour of Khar Danda. She saw the unedited version of our kids and their families. Everyone was sitting on the opposite side of the road from their houses and it was pretty chaotic. Some parents were drunk and fighting from the holiday frolic and most were just lazily sitting and gambling. As always though, the children were at their lovable best!!!
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As soon as we arrived, the kids ran to greet us and were asking ‘who is this? Who is this?’. I introduced Joanna, and the children were happy seeing a new face...and especially a new camera—posing, as always, like movie stars!!
We then begged the watchman of the school to let us up to the classroom. He did and we were able to show off our classroom and all our books and hard work.
As Joanna was dropping us all back home, the mood was very positive. As it turns out, we were chosen to create a partnership, and AYA now sponsors our children to take part in our school!!!
Thank you AYA for your support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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November Fundraiser, 4th Success!
Our Canadian semi-annual fundraiser was on November 30, 2002. Many old friends returned for the good food and entertainment and many new friends joined us. Acacia Hall is perfect for our event; with our wall hangings from India, bright table cloths, candles—the 100 plus people had a good time.
Extra money was raised by a small silent auction. Everyone loved to see the Diwali (play and dances) performance by the children in India. The pictures and presentations are wonderful, but the performance of the children for their parents and guests brings the children to life in Canada.
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If it wasn’t for all fundraiser volunteers, we would not be able to have a successful event: Colleen, Roger, and Tara Woltjen, Ed Makarus, Marilyn and George Spilchen, and Kyle Andersen, can always be trusted to make the event an incredible success!
Once again we were thrilled to have Ashley Kumar dance for us and Moksha play!
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