Perth Residents Unite for the Cause, Fundraiser for the Victims of Hurricane Stan in Guatemala
Translation of article published in Spanish in EcoLatino, November 2005
Article by Liz Ballantyne-Jackson
Photographs by David Zimmerly
The Historic Code's Mill in the town of Perth , southeast of Ottawa, was the location of a fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Stan on Friday the 18th of November 2005.
Sponsored by the volunteers of the Guatemala Stove Project, a dance and auction of Canadian and Guatemalan handicrafts was held. The group Tito Medina and Amigos , well known in the Latin American community, once again gave their time and support by providing the music and entertainment for the evening.
The Guatemala Stove Project is a group of Canadian volunteers based in the Perth area which has for the past 7 years organized fundraising activities to sponsor the building of masonry stoves in the homes of poor indigenous families in the altiplano region of Guatemala. The Project had its beginnings in 1999 when a single volunteer, Tom Clarke (who now coordinates the project with Ali Ross) traveled to Guatemala and built 6 stoves. Many of the indigenous people of the Mayan villages of the altiplano continue to cook on three stone fires on the floors inside their houses. Consequently, the houses are filled with toxic smoke, which endangers the member of the family. The masonry stoves greatly improve the health of the families since the smoke can now escape through a stovepipe. The health and quality of life of the family that receives a stove is greatly improved. In February 2005, the Project constructed its 3000th stove.
The Project works in conjunction with a local indigenous health group called CEDEC, which is based in the Quetzeltenango region of Guatemala. Upon receiving information about the destruction caused by Hurricane Stan, the Directors of the Project met and decided to direct their support towards the victims of Hurricane Stan's destruction. All of the fundraising efforts of the Project for the next six months will be directed towards helping recovery efforts.
The Fundraising Dance of November 18 was a great success. Money raised will be sent directly to the Project's local community partner group for immediate distribution to needy families.
The Project will continue with its Humanitarian Aid efforts. If you wish more information, please contact either Tom Clarke ( 613-267-5202) More info at: www.guatemalastoveproject.org/