Do you remember the first time you came to Canada? Do you recall the funny, the puzzling, the downright fearful moments when it finally hits you- You are now living in a new country and are beginning to experience a new way of living? Do you have an interest to draw or sketch or paint what that initial feeling was like? We would love to hear from you! If you love to draw and would like to send us at: interculturalnetwork@powertochange.org a 10cm x 10cm black and white illustration electronically as a jpeg, tiff or png file, we would love to hear from you and publish these visual immigrant stories on this site.

Langley, B.C. – (January 14, 2010) – After Haiti was rocked by a 7.0 quake on Tuesday, Power to Change is responding to the devastation with immediate financial aid and emergency response supplies.

Through the humanitarian division, Global Aid Network, Canada (GAiN), relief efforts are beginning. The national director in Haiti, Esperandieu Pierre, is operational on the ground and deeply connected to a distribution network of churches and volunteers in the country.

In a phone interview with staff in Langley, BC on Wednesday Pierre spoke of not knowing where his family was. “I am not alone in this situation,” he said. “I choose to believe God that my wife and children are fine and that I will be able to hug them when I get home.” He also expressed his thanks for those in Canada who are supporting his country at this time. “You let me know that we are not alone in this situation. It is a big spiritual boost and encouragement. Thank you very much.” On Thursday we received word that Pierre’s family had been found and were safe.

Esperandieu’s team and network of churches and volunteers are there on the ground helping now. GAiN is ready to deploy and distribute eight containers, each totaling $100,000 (CAN) worth of emergency relief supplies to Haiti. These containers are packed with food, medical supplies, water purifying tablets and other emergency response provisions. Six additional containers will be packed and shipped as soon as possible.

The Red Cross estimates 3,000,000 people are displaced and up to 50,000 people may have died with thousands more still trapped under rubble. GAiN is coordinating efforts to help immediately and long-term in Haiti. GAiN’s disaster response specialist, and Canadian GAiN representatives will arrive in the country as early as Friday.  A trauma counselor will follow to help with ongoing relief efforts as the needs escalate.

As the team in Haiti begins to mobilize, Power to Change is in need of urgent financial contributions in order to respond to the needs of the Haitians. Without immediate food, water and medical supplies to treat the injured, many more will die.

Donations can be made online at powertochange.org or by phone at 1.800.563.1106.

2010 Winter Olympics – A Mammoth Opportunity!

The Winter Olympics are coming! Do you enjoy meeting people from all over the world? Are you passionate about music, arts, the multi-cultural community? Are you interested in making an impact during the Olympis? Do you have a heart for helping with social initiatives? Become a part of the movement! What are you doing this Olympics?

Learn how to make the most out of the Olympics 2010 by getting More Than Gold.

Click on our calendar and learn about more intercultural events coming up in the Greater Vancouver Area.