A fundraiser for children and women in developing countries in need of food, education, health care, shelter and more will continue, thanks to some local volunteers.
The Child Haven Fundraiser, formerly called Sojourn to India, has been running for 18 years in Parksville Qualicum Beach but the main organizers were unable to continue their work this year.
Luckily Qualicum Beach resident Leona Matte gathered some friends and formed a new crew of organizers.
Child Haven International was founded by Bonnie and Fred Cappuccino of Maxville, Ontario.
The couple raised 21 children, 19 of them adopted and have spent many years hosting a circuit of events around Canada. Their charity has six homes in India, and one in each Bangladesh, Nepal and Tibet. Around 1,200 impoverished individuals, mostly children are dependent on the charity. The couple is celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this year.
The event takes place October 25th at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre. Tickets are $25 for the family friendly event including finger foods, dancing, drumming, an exotic Indian marketplace, and a silent auction.
If people wold like to get involved with the fundraiser contact Leona at 250 752-7404 or Cilla at 250 752-0968.
— News Staff /Submitted by Cilla Lewenhaupt