Concert with a Cause

 

The link for this week's live-streamed service is here.

There has been much excitement around our mission trip to the Dominican Republic over the past few weeks. We can report that our folks arrived safe and sound -- with their luggage, and are now hard at work.

Of course, the need for volunteers and money and prayers and compassion and good will is felt all over the world. 

Two members of our congregation are very involved in an education program in Africa. Education is one of the keys to ending poverty.

Brian Dowse and Elizabeth Dow have a deep connection to supporting Eagle HeightsAfrica. Their shared passion arises independently from their life experiences and is joined in this worthy cause. Brain worked in several parts of Africa as a civil engineer. Elizabeth understands the role that education plays in improving individuals' lives through her career in social work.

 

EagleHeights Africa in BC was founded in 2010 and arose from the dream of Njoki Nganga, a Kenyan woman with a doctorate in Advanced Social Work. It was established to assist disadvantaged children in obtaining an education. Njoki came to Vancouver Island in 2008 to visit her friends Bill and Joan German. The three worked together to create a framework for Canadians to sponsor children in Africa. By 2014, eleven children were sponsored to go to school. Today, students formulate plans that include careers as doctors, pilots, and lawyers.

 

The Canadian co-founders of the Eagle Heights Africa in BC society died in 2020, but the society continues their legacy of enriching lives through education. A volunteer board now runs it, ensuring that all the children’s sponsorships are paid for, and any extra expenses that arise for their education are covered.

 

TheArbutus Singers have long worked with non-profit organizations to raise funds. The choir notes that they have raised over $500,000 in their 25 years. They started as a group of 15 singers but now are up to 80, with a diverse repertoire and singing in four to six parts. 

 

The Arbutus Singers Concert will be held at the Mary Winspear Centre on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are reasonable at $25 each.

 

Ed. Note:   Thanks to Diane Cunningham for preparing this post.