CORNWALL, Ontario – There’s no mistaking the generosity of our community, whether we are rallying for a local cause, or one on the other side of the world, as the 30th Child Haven International fundraising dinner was held at the Ramada Inn and Conference centre,
Founded by Fred and Bonnie Cappuccino with Dr. Nat Shah, the charity, in support of homes for women and their children, in India and others, provides shelter and necessities of life, as well as education and training to help them in their years beyond Child Haven.
“It’s nice to see so many supporters throughout the years, said Elaine MacDonald, event organizer. “Brian Lynch, who was mayor at the time, is still with the organization. So many people here have the history and have been with it for thirty years. They keep coming back.”
Over 100 attended the dinner buffet, prepared by the very popular Chef Joginder Khalsa. The engaging Flora Dumouchel demonstrated her auctioneering skills and comedic prowess at the live auction, and Roxanne Delage provided the musical entertainment along with guitarist, Rod Robillard.
“A lot of people think that there is so much charitable need at home, but we live in a very small world and globalization reaches.” said MacDonald. “It doesn’t just work for the economy; it works for charity and for raising society too.”
“When you think of the stories we hear coming out of India,” she continued. “When you think of that poor woman who was raped on the bus and murdered – India’s Daughter – this is exactly where Child Haven fits in. It gives women who have no alternative to the streets, which is just utter violence, it gives them a home and gives them an education and a place for their children, it goes on for generations.”
Over 2500 people have been helped through Child Haven homes, with presently, 1100 children living under their roofs.
Originally from the States, Fred Cappuccino was a minister, who moved up to Canada, then more politically compatible with their beliefs, during the Vietnam War. He and his wife, Bonnie, have adopted 19 children, in their 62 year marriage.
“There is one famous plane trip,” recounts MacDonald, with a smile. “They had 22 children on the plane home, (at one time, they also helped other families adopt). Everyone pitched in on the plane; they were just passing these babies around because they didn’t have 22 adults to look after them.”
Because it is so difficult to adopt a child from another nation, in 1985 started their first home, there.
Based in Maxville, The Cappuccinos are now travelling across the country appearing at Child Haven Dinners, starting in Cornwall, as they do every year.
“So nice to see so many city councillors here, because you need the political support,” said MacDonald. “It’s also nice to see so many other charities come out to support, because they are all working for the same thing at the end of the day, and that’s for a better life for kids who wouldn’t have a better life without their help.”
For further information or to support, visit www.childhaven.ca.
