Winter 2011
Eunice Baldwin

Click HERE to view the Winter directive. Directive is now in printable, PDF format.

Spring 2010
Carolyn Carere, Community Life Chair

Dear Sisters in the League,

As the New Year is upon us, I must say I'm attempting to keep pushing forward. I have reflected on some helpful directives given to me and will pass them on to you.

Dignity and rights of persons

Eldercare or the lack of such care remains a great concern. 150,000 people are suffering abuse in one form or another, be it from monetary deceit or physical and mental/verbal abuse. The following are a few examples to watch for.

• Some will kits sold on the websites are worthless and will not hold up in any Court of Law.
• Telemarketers who pressure older persons in purchasing unwanted/needed items Fraudulent and/or bogus investments sold by unscrupulous brokers.
• Drugs removed from seniors, or given incorrectly by either family members or relations/friends.

These are just a few examples of areas of concern. Below is some helpful phone # and Web sites for to asses 24 hours a day.

• ONPEA Seniors safety line:  1-866-299-1011
• Waterloo Region Committee on Elder Abuse:  1-519-883-2280 website: elderabuse@wrps.ca
• OPP Phone busters:  1-888-495-8501
• G/C www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca
• G/C Investment/door to door/ credit card fraud:  1-800-622-6232
• North York Elder Abuse Network; n.y.e.a.n@hotmail.com
• Province Of Ontario; www.ontarioseniors.ca
• Ontario Pharmacists' Association:  1-888-910-1911

Social and economic justice

TRAFFICKING -- Women and children are being trafficked into Canada for the sex trade where they become slaves. The 2010 Olympic Games in Canada this year makes this an even more serious issue. I ask you to continue to be aware of the problem and you take action as you can.

IMMIGRATION, REFUGEES AND CITIZENSHIP -- There is a new Information Guide available for immigration. Some often asked questions as below will be answered for you by logging on to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp. Topics to be read:  Temporary Resident Visa , Federal Skilled Worker Work Permit (outside Canada), Sponsorship of a Spouse, Common-law Partner, Conjugal, PartnerPermanentResident Card, Study Permit (outside Canada) Canadian Citizenship -- Adults.

CANADIAN CATHOLIC ORGANIZATION OF DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE (CCODP) -- February 17th - April 4th 2010 Share Lent Campaign is the annual campaign of CCODP. Our gifts which we share through this Lenten program will assist people from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Their annual goal for this year is $10 million. You are invited to gift with love.

Three million people are in anguish in the Capitol City Port-au-Prince in Haiti. The following organizations are taking relief funds for Haiti:

• Development and Peace (CCODP); through our councils we may donate as usual or you may send funds marked "Haiti Relief"
• Red Cross Society; 1-800-418-1111
• www.worldvision.ca/giveagift
• Unicef; 1-800-567-4483

Please encourage all who can to help these organizations.

Developing Countries

The Pope continues on a directive plan from Governmental institutions to network and to create infrastructure to help the poor in underdeveloped countries. I encourage you to continue to do the great work that has being done to help the great need of people in horrible situations in poor and underdeveloped countries. I will be returning to West Africa this April to lend a hand. I would welcome any questions. Small deeds make a greats impact . Keep up the good work

Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn