It has often been said that it takes a village to raise a child. In the case of Child Haven International it is taking many villages to raise more than 1,500 children.
This year’s Child Haven Fundraiser will take place Oct. 17 at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre. A vegetarian dinner will be served with entertainment to follow.
Oct. 17, 2015 will mark the 20th year District 69 has supported the work of Child Haven International (CHI) by hosting a major fundraising event.
CHI was started in 1985 by an Ontario couple, Fred and Bonnie Cappuccino. Now in their 80s, this dynamic couple remain committed to their mission of providing a nurturing and caring environment to many of the world’s most vulnerable citizens.
CHI has created and continues to support nine children’s homes in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Tibet. Through culturally appropriate care that focuses on health and education, children in these homes are given the opportunity to grow and become self sufficient contributing members of society. Over the past 20 years, citizens of Parksville Qualicum Beach have generously contributed many thousands of dollars to support this non-profit charity.
On Oct. 17, Rikhi Datt, owner of Go Mango Indian Foods in Courtenay, will prepare some delicious fare. Datt hails from a family tradition of Indian cooking and restaurant ownership and has become somewhat of a local hero in his tireless support for Child Haven. Guests will also be able to meet Bonnie and Fred Cappuccino at the event. Tickets will be available Sept. 26 at the following outlets: Heaven on Earth, and The Shoe Inn, Qualicum Beach and in Parksville at Fireside Books and Amrikko’s Restaurant. For more information contact annagr@shaw.ca or swedishblue@gmail.com.
—Submitted by Anna Grieve