A message from Danielle

Dear friends,

2011 has been an excellent year for Calcutta Rescue, Canada. Words of thanks seem insignificant when I see all that, together, we have managed to accomplish.

Since last year, we have about 200 new friends on our e-mailing list who are interested in finding out more about the work of Calcutta Rescue, and who have been contributing generously to our fundraising efforts, either by supporting us with their dollars or by volunteering, or both.  A special welcome to all of them.

We again, this year, received a generous donation from The Rotary Club of Kingston towards the installation of a filter to help prevent poisoning from arsenic in water.  A special thank you goes to Ron Thompson for his work in obtaining this donation.

Our spring, summer and fall Sunday fundraising at the Kingston Market Square went well, thanks in great part to Claire Rose who took care of the booth whenever she could; many of the new supporters first met us there.

In September, we were kept busy with 3 special events:

With the help of several volunteers, we participated in the Needlecraft Fair at Crossroads United Church on Sir John A. Mac Donald Boulevard.

Malka helped again at the Arthur Frederick Community Builders 15^th Global Harmony Gift Show in Bellevile;

And we were again part of the Multicultural Event in Confederation Park in Kingston.

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In November, our 5^th Treasures from the Orient Bazaar was a huge success, raising just a few dollars short of $10,000.  Most importantly, everyone who attended seemed to be having a wonderful time. Thank you to those supporters could not attend but kindly forwarded the invitation to their friends, many of whom did come.

Congratulations to Ann Van Alstyne, our winner of the draw

Ann was tickled pink; she says she had never won anything before;

She attended the event with her daughter and granddaughter

and even came two days in a row.

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We now have a slate of about 40 very enthusiastic volunteers who work together in wonderful harmony. Something to be very thankful for.

The Bottom Line:

we managed to raise over $30,000. in 2011

What’s on the horizon?

Around April 2012, I plan to present the very interesting documentary Meanders and Resilience. This documentary tells the story of Calcutta Rescue, of Dr. Jack, its founder and of the people whom we are helping. I will send an invitation to all of you and post the details here on the website. I hope many of you will attend.

May the knowledge that you have helped in some way

to alleviate the sufferings of some destitute men,

women and children bring you joy and contribute to your having a wonderful Holiday Season.

November 2011.