Child Haven International (CHI) has a Home for destitute children along with 22 women in Kathmandu , Nepal where the big earthquake recently has devastated the area. Fortunately, the children were out in the courtyard when the quake struck and are fine. There has been some slight damage to the Home. A note on the website from Robin Cappuccino said that they not only were dealing with aftershocks but also torrential rains. Because of possible structural damage to the Home, the children could not go back inside until an inspection is done. They have managed to get tarps in an effort to keep everyone as dry as possible. What do you do with 203 children in those circumstances, with basic needs to be filled ?
In that same message is a note that touched me deeply and I quote: ‘We are keeping close touch with our staff and the various groups and individuals we work with to assess needs in the area. We will carefully allocate funds received above and beyond the needs of our Home as best we are able to directly provide for those in most need’. That has to tell us what Child Haven International is all about: altruism, in the most profound sense of the word. For more updates on the situation go to their website CHI Nepal.
Rabindranath Tagore is often quoted in their newsletters:’ Let me light my lamp, says the star, and never debate if it will dispel the dark’. Child Haven is doing just that, lighting lamps for all of us. An incredible organization.
Child Haven International was cofounded by Bonnie and Fred Cappuccino and Dr. Nat Shah in 1985. According to the website it is inspired by the ideals and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. It is a registered not for profit charity. They assist children and women in developing countries who are in need of food, education, health care, shelter, clothing and emotional and moral support. At this time, I believe there are ten Homes in different countries
News from Steven Bayne, CHI office manager , is that each dollar donated by May 25 to Child Haven for the earthquake relief fund will be matched by the Canadian Government. Their money will be distributed by them in Nepal. Donations to Child Haven will be administered by CHI. Bonnie and Robin Cappuccino will be leaving May 6 for their visit to the Homes overseas including Nepal and will see that the donations for this earthquake relief fund in Nepal are properly utilized.
These pictures are from one of their newsletters and shows some of the children in happier days:
There are committee branches of CHI across Canada. Go to their web site to find a branch near you: www.childhaven.ca. Locally contact Fred Cappuccino at 613-527-2829 (Maxville) or email fred@childhaven.ca or through the web site.
I got ‘tagged’. One Saturday recently, two young lads were standing outside Giant Tiger store in full Air Cadet uniform selling tags to support their organization. I love to see our young people out in the community supporting a cause or an organization to which they belong. They must have been warm in their full dress uniforms that day but it didn’t deter their enthusiasm. Besides a tag, they also gave me a card which said that they were from the 325 Air Cadet Squadron. Their web site is www.325air.com or phone 613-937-0189 for more information. The card said that is a youth group for ages 12-18 and provide aviation training, flying, gliding, range, biathlon, marching band, summer camps, ceremonial drill, community service, sports, camping and much more. Their meetings are held at the Cornwall Armoury on Wednesdays from 6;30 -9:30. Sounds like a lot of fun for our young people.
And I got ‘tagged, again..It was bound to happen..sooner or later. It happened when I walked into The Art Gallery.
I got a lovely round badge pinned on me that said: ‘You’re it! TAG’. I went in to see the artists at work and all the wonderful paintings by local artists on the walls. I love the smell of paint. Sitting there in front of an easel was Jamie, my Editor. He was painting a masterpiece. It was so great to see him focused, happy, and relaxed.
That is what painting can do for any of us.
I was with my friend Marie who got a surprise to see her grand-daughter and great grand-daughter painting also and enjoying every minute of it. Looked like everyone was enjoying being there.
Seaway Health Center, 353 Pitt Street, is offering so many diversified programs to our community from Men’s Cooking Group, Exercise and Stress Management to Telemedicine appointments and many others. There are 20 programs listed on their leaflet. Something for everyone. For more information, call 613-936-0306 They are also looking for volunteers in many areas to support their programs. Contac Corrie at 613-930-4892 ext. 152.
There will be a Alzheimer’s Walk on May 9th at Lamoureux Park. Registration is at 9am and the walk from 9:45 -10:45.Everone is welcome to participate in this fund raiser. If you are unable to participate, you could sponsor a walker by calling 613- 932-4914or go to their website at www.walkfor alzheimers.ca.
A note of congratulations to Laurie Kennedy, Family Support Caseworker of the Cornwall Alzheimer’s office who is celebrating 21 years of work for the organization. A big thank you and kudos for helping our community.
Here is a great photo of some handsome bowlers at Courtaulds in about 1954 taken from the newsletter, The Rayon Reel.
Here is a cute joke if you are having a crumy day and knead a lift:
Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community, The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.
Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Croacker, the Hostess Twinkies and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.
Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business , but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes.Despite being a bit flaky at times, he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.
Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, three children: John Dough, Jane Dough and Dosey Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is survived also by his elderly father, Pop Tart. The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.
Have a good week, Dawn
Dawn: Thank you for doing such a nice article.
Fred Cappuccino
Dawn your article is great as usual and you are a very nice woman but I have to tell you something and that is I read today where the government of Nepal is going to take the money that is being raised for the people who have been hit by the earthquake. The ordinary people don’t see a dime and that goes for any disaster in any country. You are a beautiful heart and that is the truth about you. You are too good of a person and trying to do good but those citizens know the truth about what goes on. It was the same in Haiti and elsewhere.
Jules: Thank you for your comments. I took my information directly from the Child Haven Nepal site. Bonnie Cappuccino is on her way to Nepal and I personally have every confidence that she and the staff will look after every penny donated for the Home for the children and any extra, it said, for ‘others in most need.’
Hi Dawn you have a heart ten times bitter than your size and such a wonderful person. When I read that and knew that you were helping to raise funds I thought that I would tell you what I read. It is good to hear that someone from Cornwall is going over and can see that the money goes in the proper hands. You and Mary in Kingston are wonderful people. Take care and the best to you.
Jules: You are very kind but I can’t take any credit. I just report the facts. The people involved with Child Haven International have been working for years in several countries to help destitute children and women. They are dedicated, hardworking people and I stand in awe of all they are accomplishing. If we can help, let’s do it.
Dawn: I’m so happy to hear that all the children and staff are safe after the earthquake. Wonderful news.
Calgary, Alberta