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~ By International Officer, Cindi Rabstein r Thank you so much for all your * ‘ reports and questions. | now have the current addresses of the Pen Pal Coordinators in the UK, Australia, South Africa and USA. If you need a Pen Pal, please send a stamped, addressed envelope, indicating which country, as there is a form you have to fill out. I was impressed by River Valley W| (Hastings District, Trent Valley Area) who shared a list of the items that they sent monthly last year to various organizations around the world, including Northern Canada. Sylvia Hatfield has informed me that Canada Comforts is now making up Maternity Kits. For babies: hats, blankets, diapers, safety pins, onesies, washcloths, string and gauze. For mothers: gowns, disposable pads, sanitary napkins, facecloths, towels, scanti pants or underwear, soap, lotion, shampoo, hard candy and bulb syringe. They are put in a pillowcase and then wrapped in a garbage bag. They are also working on a pattern in a bigger size dress that some of you were asking about. Containers are leaving soon for Sudan, Ukraine, Zambia, Cuba, Uganda, Haiti and the Philippines. Please keep the diapers, teddies and knitted squares (36” by 44”) for blankets coming. The address to send items to is: Canada Comforts, 1185 Wychbury Avenue, Victoria, BC, V9A SL1. Sylvia sends her heartfelt thanks, as do |. ACWW is always lookingformore Pennies for Friendship, and Canada is one of their main supporters. Canada Area President Margaret Yetman tells us that, in 2010, Canada sent 35,000 pounds, of which 23,000 pounds went to Pennies for Friendship. She sends her congratulations andthanksto usall. Well Done. Do notforgetourCanada Area Project in the Caribbean to educate women about the effects of climate change. If your Branch wishes to contribute, send your cheque to Margaret Yetman, 10 Barbour Drive, Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 2H8. Cindi Rabstein can be reached by phone (519â€"843â€"2222) or by mail (23 White Bark Way, RR#1, Belwood, ON NOB 1J0). l"a@‘1f&§\£gd ‘ ‘ may?“ CMoat/ate l 4 ~ ByAdvocacy Coordinator, Glenna Smith I want to thank you for the letters and emails you have been sending to me. This shows that W| is well and doing our work. We are addressing concerns both locally and provinceâ€"wide. Letters by an individual or a Branch are good; ten letters on the same topic are even better. You knowthe old saying, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." My hope is that when you contact me, you have also contacted the branch of the Government or an MPP, MP or other company responsible forthe concern you have. These are a few ofthe topics you have been bringing forth: Cost of Hydro: Have you written to the Provincial Government? Have you questioned the wisdom of the smart meters? Have you asked Ontario Hydro to check your meter? Have you compared your bill with that of your neighbour? Have you asked W| Members in other Districts if their bills are as high as yours? It is always a good idea to have lots of facts when you go looking for help. Don’t forget, the Provincial Election is on October 6, 2011. All candidates are interested in your ideas. Wind Turbines: This is a very controversial subject. Please, invite qualified speakers, listen to both sides, learn the truth, and then take a stand. Don’t believe everything you have heard. Be educated on the subject; that is what W| is all about. Quarries: Quarries are being proposed in many parts of our Province. What will they do to your neighbourhood, your water and land needed for food production? At least some members of government are asking for a review of the Aggregate Resources Act. Would you or your Branch ask for this as well? Small Abattoirs: There is an ongoing concern with small abattoirs. Watch for more information and eat locally. Talk to your local food store and ask why they don’t have more locally grown produce. You, the Members, are the voice. Make sure you are heard, but know your facts. Glenna Smith can be reached by email (dgsmith@sympatico.ca), phone (519â€"824â€"0217) or mail (570 Arkell Road, Arkell, ON NOB 1C0). “ Wgzlms’mm“mmu§7 13