When disaster strikes...
Happy June, everyone.
Usually when disaster strikes around the world, I make a special contribution to Oxfam Canada or the Canadian Red Cross. So it was frustrating to me when the cyclone struck Myanmar/Burma a few weeks back, and the junta was refusing, then confiscating, aid from outside. Even now, I’m not sure whether aid through official channels is reaching the victims. Latest reports say that they are being driven off of their land. However, the International Burmese Monks Organization, in partnership with the global web movement Avaaz.org, has been able to distribute over $550,000 in aid (with another $1.5 million on the way) through Burmese monasteries and unofficial channels. It may not be a Canadian charity, but may be the most effective way for some of us to help. For more information, visit http://www.avaaz.org/en/burma_aid_report/15.php?cl=91073145
On the other hand, I’ve really been having mixed feelings about the earthquake disasters in China. China is an economic powerhouse, so much so that one can hardly buy a product these days without seeing “Made in China” on it (if only in the fine print). Given China’s horrendous human rights record, unchecked environmental damage, and the situation in Tibet, it’s easy to be unsympathetic. It might almost be argued that the recent disasters may be driving China to the brink of sudden revolutionary change, and a little “tough love” may be in order. One thing about making monthly contributions to international aid organizations: at least you can still help the victims, even though you have moral qualms.
You may have also heard that the Wolong Panda Sanctuary, home to 30% of the world’s endangered pandas, also suffered from the recent quake. The Friends of World Heritage Fund is donating 100% of the proceeds received by June 27 towards recovery of several world heritage sites damaged by the quake, including the panda sanctuary. Donations are being matched by both Expedia, Inc. and the UN Foundation. For more info, go to: http://www.friendsofworldheritage.org/
Solstice is coming, and with it, our semi-annual Solstice Sunrise Vigil. We’re doing it on Friday, June 20 at 4:30 a.m., which is the morning of the Summer Solstice… and given that New Agers have also discovered this special site, there’s a chance we may have to share it with them. If you’re interested in attending, let me know, and I’ll forward the directions.
June's Birthdays: Dawn L., Joie, Sierra, Michelle B, Mimi, some old HP, and probably some of his Facebook friends.
June Events:
Note these events are listed for information purposes only; no endorsement is necessarily implied. Dates and locations may be subject to change; see the source for details. If I’ve missed anyone and you’d like to add to this listing, please contact me.
Jun. 1-7: Canadian Environment Week (despite John Baird). Info: http://www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=09B7E8E7-1
Jun. 1, 10:30 a.m. Spiritual Teachings of Earth-Centred Traditions, at Unitarian Church of Calgary, 1703 – 1 St. NW.
Jun. 3-5: Mayor’s Environment Expo at the Municipal Building Atrium (9 am – 3 pm)
Jun. 3, 1:23 p.m.: New Moon. Uath (Oak) lunar month begins.
Jun. 5: The Eclectic Circle, led by SpiritnSoul, Info: http://witches.meetup.com/1558/
Jun. 7: COGCOA Coffee Cauldron. Info: info (at) cogcoa (dot) ab (dot) ca
Jun. 14: COGCOA Litha Ritual.
Jun. 17, 7:00 p.m.: Calgary Witches Meetup, hosted by moi, in south Calgary. Info: http://witches.meetup.com/1322/
Jun. 18, 11:30 a.m.: Full (Strawberry) Moon.
Jun. 20, 4:30 a.m.: Solstice Sunrise Vigil. Contact me for details.
Jun. 20, 5:59 p.m.: Summer Solstice.
Jun. 20-22: COGCOA Summerfest Campout in SherWitch Forest. Robin Hood meets the Oak and Holly Kings!
Jun. 26, 6:00 p.m.: Calgary Druid Meetup, hosted by Athelia. http://druid.meetup.com/93
Jul. 1: Canada Day
Blessings,
Hergest
Usually when disaster strikes around the world, I make a special contribution to Oxfam Canada or the Canadian Red Cross. So it was frustrating to me when the cyclone struck Myanmar/Burma a few weeks back, and the junta was refusing, then confiscating, aid from outside. Even now, I’m not sure whether aid through official channels is reaching the victims. Latest reports say that they are being driven off of their land. However, the International Burmese Monks Organization, in partnership with the global web movement Avaaz.org, has been able to distribute over $550,000 in aid (with another $1.5 million on the way) through Burmese monasteries and unofficial channels. It may not be a Canadian charity, but may be the most effective way for some of us to help. For more information, visit http://www.avaaz.org/en/burma_aid_report/15.php?cl=91073145
On the other hand, I’ve really been having mixed feelings about the earthquake disasters in China. China is an economic powerhouse, so much so that one can hardly buy a product these days without seeing “Made in China” on it (if only in the fine print). Given China’s horrendous human rights record, unchecked environmental damage, and the situation in Tibet, it’s easy to be unsympathetic. It might almost be argued that the recent disasters may be driving China to the brink of sudden revolutionary change, and a little “tough love” may be in order. One thing about making monthly contributions to international aid organizations: at least you can still help the victims, even though you have moral qualms.
You may have also heard that the Wolong Panda Sanctuary, home to 30% of the world’s endangered pandas, also suffered from the recent quake. The Friends of World Heritage Fund is donating 100% of the proceeds received by June 27 towards recovery of several world heritage sites damaged by the quake, including the panda sanctuary. Donations are being matched by both Expedia, Inc. and the UN Foundation. For more info, go to: http://www.friendsofworldheritage.org/
Solstice is coming, and with it, our semi-annual Solstice Sunrise Vigil. We’re doing it on Friday, June 20 at 4:30 a.m., which is the morning of the Summer Solstice… and given that New Agers have also discovered this special site, there’s a chance we may have to share it with them. If you’re interested in attending, let me know, and I’ll forward the directions.
June's Birthdays: Dawn L., Joie, Sierra, Michelle B, Mimi, some old HP, and probably some of his Facebook friends.
June Events:
Note these events are listed for information purposes only; no endorsement is necessarily implied. Dates and locations may be subject to change; see the source for details. If I’ve missed anyone and you’d like to add to this listing, please contact me.
Jun. 1-7: Canadian Environment Week (despite John Baird). Info: http://www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=09B7E8E7-1
Jun. 1, 10:30 a.m. Spiritual Teachings of Earth-Centred Traditions, at Unitarian Church of Calgary, 1703 – 1 St. NW.
Jun. 3-5: Mayor’s Environment Expo at the Municipal Building Atrium (9 am – 3 pm)
Jun. 3, 1:23 p.m.: New Moon. Uath (Oak) lunar month begins.
Jun. 5: The Eclectic Circle, led by SpiritnSoul, Info: http://witches.meetup.com/1558/
Jun. 7: COGCOA Coffee Cauldron. Info: info (at) cogcoa (dot) ab (dot) ca
Jun. 14: COGCOA Litha Ritual.
Jun. 17, 7:00 p.m.: Calgary Witches Meetup, hosted by moi, in south Calgary. Info: http://witches.meetup.com/1322/
Jun. 18, 11:30 a.m.: Full (Strawberry) Moon.
Jun. 20, 4:30 a.m.: Solstice Sunrise Vigil. Contact me for details.
Jun. 20, 5:59 p.m.: Summer Solstice.
Jun. 20-22: COGCOA Summerfest Campout in SherWitch Forest. Robin Hood meets the Oak and Holly Kings!
Jun. 26, 6:00 p.m.: Calgary Druid Meetup, hosted by Athelia. http://druid.meetup.com/93
Jul. 1: Canada Day
Blessings,
Hergest
posted by Stephen Hergest at 9:16 pm
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