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For the last three years we have expressed our gratitude and helped those less fortunate by donating a portion of profits to a charity whose mission it is to combat famine and promote economic development around the world.
This year we wanted to do something a little different. While World Vision is still a highly deserving NGO, they are nevertheless a very large organization, with lots of support.
The idea came to my partner Heinz and me when we attended an event in our little town of Alexandria this past fall to benefit a much smaller and equally deserving cause: Child Haven International. Inspired by the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, Child Haven “assists children and women in developing countries, who are in need of food, education, health care, shelter and clothing, emotional and moral support.”
Their founders are Fred and Bonnie Cappuccino, a couple who have made their home in nearby Maxville since the early 70s. Locals will tell you lots of stories about this remarkable duo, not the least of which is that, over the years, they have adopted 19 children in addition to raising their own two biological children. In 1985, they started Child Haven to help more. I heard Fred joke that this was the only way he could prevent Bonnie from adopting more kids!
Now in their 80s, Fred and Bonnie are assisted by family and volunteers in the running of their eight homes: five in India, one in Nepal, one in Tibet and one in Bangladesh. Child Haven is a registered charity in Canada, the United States and India. It operates on a shoestring (about $1,000,000 annually) and receives no government subsidy.
To help this worthy cause, we had thought of donating $5 for each new “Like” on our Facebook Page. Truth be known, if our idea went “viral” we wouldn’t have an unlimited budget. Instead we will donate $1,500, regardless of what happens with our Facebook page. Still, we think we can help by spreading their story. Will you please help us by clicking that you “Like” us on Greenfield's Facebook Page, letting your network know about Child Haven?
To make a donation yourself, please click here.
Whatever holiday you celebrate, we wish you the gift of time to enjoy this holiday season with those you love. And may 2011 bring you health, happiness and fulfillment!
