Volunteering at the Frontline of Change Cusointernational.Org

CUSO INTERNATIONAL’S MAGAZINE THE ON GLOBAL VOLUNTEERING

CATALYSTSPRING 2018

Volunteering at the Frontline of Change cusointernational.org

Launch into your next adventure Volunteer again! THE CATALYST | 1

INSIDE LETTER 2 FROM THE CEO

NEW 3 APPOINTMENT

SOUTH AFRICA 4 REVISITED

SI A 8 LA PAZ

IN THE MOOD FOR 11 A BETTER WORLD

RULE 12 OF LAW

14 ALUMNOTES

On the cover: Health clinics were often targets in countries like Mozambique for South Africa backed destabilization in neighbouring countries.

The Catalyst is published by Cuso International Cuso International is a registered Cuso International is a non-profit international development charitable organization. organization, working to improve the lives of people living with Canada: No. 81111 6813 RR0001 poverty and inequality around the globe. Each year we mobilize hundreds of volunteer professionals who work with local partners to create positive, lasting change. Established in 1961, Cuso Inter- national is a registered charity in Canada and the United States. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. We wish to thank the many volunteers, alumni, partners and staff who have contributed to this edition of The Catalyst.

Please send your comments, ideas and submissions to: [email protected] Le Catalyseur est également disponible en français | The Catalyst © Cuso International, 2018. Printed in Canada. is also available in French 2 | THE CATALYST

LETTER from the CEO page 4

t the end of 2017, I traveled with our new Chair, page 8 Frank O’Dea, to visit our programs in Colombia. I was immediately taken by the warmth of the people and the culture. It’s a beautiful and fas- Acinating country, and throughout my visit I could feel a tremendous energy everywhere. The changes that are taking place are palpable. Colombia, like many countries, has experienced sig-

burden.nificant Todaychallenges Colombia’s over the people past arehalf enjoying century. aAs time in allof peaceconflicts, unlike it’s the any country’s they have citizens known who for generations.bear the greatest I met Windy Johanna Castro when in Cali, Colombia.

thanks in part to support she received from Fundación page 12 Carvajal.Windy is working at a restaurant, Crepes and Waffles, Fundación Carvajal connects clients like Windy to psychological and emotional support to help them deal Myanmar—all countries that have been challenged and changed by people struggling for a better life. a barrier to employment. I am proud that Cuso Inter- Your stories are part of the changes that have taken with the impact of living through conflict, which is often place all over the world and every story is important. We like Fundación Carvajal who have trained over 450 people want to hear them. Please share your stories with us at andnational linked has nearly partnered 300 individuals with an important with employment. organization [email protected]. Thanks to her drive and the support of Fundación Carvajal, Windy told me she’s on her way to achieving her dream of owning her own house for her and her son, and to someday starting her own business. Cooperation between Cuso International volunteers

of this edition of The Catalyst CEO, Cuso International and the people of conflict affected countries is the focus C. Glenn Mifflin . South Africa, Colombia, THE CATALYST | 3

NEW APPOINTMENT BOARD CHAIR

Frank O’Dea Lloyd Axworthy uso International is pleased to announce the appointment of our new Board Chair, Frank O’Dea. Mr. O’Dea will be existed,”with even says greater Frank. impact “Our and current efficiency. senior “We’re management finding Cwho has been in the role since 2014. andnew Boardways to are be inspired more flexible by the using opportunity systems thatto change never Frankreplacing O’Dea is outgoinga celebrated Chair, entrepreneur Hon. Lloyd Axworthy, who has even more lives in new and innovative ways.” We would also like to thank outgoing Chair, Hon. Lloyd and businesses, including Second Cup and Street Kids International.launched and ledHe isa number an inspiring of successful speaker whonot-for-profits shares his lessons-learned from his days of living on the streets asAxworthy, Chair, Cuso for International his dedication introduced and guidance our Canadian of Cuso of Toronto. programInternational. to contribute During toMr. meaningful Axworthy’s reconciliation. three-year tenure Under his leadership Cuso International has improved our street in his youth, Frank O’Dea hoped for a better life, - and After with struggling the spirit through to forge alcoholism ahead, co-founded and years Second on the sitioned for a new phase of programming. Cup, which soon became the largest chain of gourmet financial and programmatic strength leaving us well-po coffees and teas in Canada. “Even when I was out pan- international development and volunteerism borne from handling,” says Frank. “I was pretty lucky. I had the great his Mr. vast Axworthy international has experiencebrought with as ahim champion a perspective for human on good fortune to be born in Canada.” rights and international diplomacy. Speaking at the launch It was in part, Frank’s experience overcoming his own

like Cuso International that support the vulnerable and onof thethe importanceMino Stat An of partnershipvolunteering with to Canada: the Ma “There Mawi areWi struggles that has inspired him to work with organizations Chi Itata Centre in Winnipeg, Mr. Axworthy commented support, people can achieve their dreams. “Cuso Internationalmarginalized. also This speaks experience to me showedas an entrepreneu Frank howr,” withsays Ia think,large number is one way of people which of the good whole will countrythat want can to takefind somea way realto express pride.” it. And the whole idea of volunteerism, helping women and youth start businesses and While in his time as Cuso International Board Chair, changeFrank, recognizing the course theof their impact lives, Cuso “It International resonated with has my on story,” says Frank. the Pearson Peace Medal for outstanding achievements Frank is excited about our unique position to bring Mr. Axworthy was recognized by the United Nations with together skilled Canadians with new technology to work asin thea Board field Director.of international service and understanding. We are very pleased that Mr. Axworthy will be continuing 4 | THE CATALYST

Donna Macdonald and her militia escort in Mozambique.

South AfricaGreg overseeing the construction of a new bridge. Revisited THE CATALYST | 5

In 2018, all eyes will be on South Africa as the nation marks what would have Donna Macdonald and her militia escort in Mozambique. been the 100th birthday of its beloved anti-apartheid revolutionary leader, Nelson Mandela. This milestone has inspired Cuso International to revisit the important work its cooperants did during what would later become a defining moment in African history. While Cuso International cooperants were banned from entering South Africa because of its support to the resistance, many were stationed in nearby countries at the time, bearing witness to the devastating effects of South Africa’s destabilization policies and efforts—all the while trying to help local communities. In this story, three Cuso International cooperants share their memories from Mozambique and Zambia.

hen Canadians Donna Mac- Cuso International had been supporting the state farm Wyoung couple with a three- year-olddonald daughter and in Greg tow, Utzig, set out a cooperants,by supplying Greg a generating had visited station. to provide A week supportbefore South and as Cuso International cooperants checkAfrican-backed on the program. rebels (theDespite bandidos) the attack, murdered the couple the

what they would experience couldn’t have been imagined. “CUSO was committed to the anti-apartheid struggle,” It was 1983, a pivotalto time Mozambique, for the country—and the magnitude all of Donnachose to said. move “We to didn’t another want project to leave in Mozambique.and give in to South - “It was hard to abandon our colleagues and friends in Africa—as The neighbouring South Africa was rife with con theAfrica north,” and theGreg horror said. “They they were had towreaking continue on in this a dangerous country.” flict while masses rose in protest to apartheid. situation without our support.” couple was aware of South Africa’s attempts to The couple ended up spending more than two years fromdestabilize B.C. had the beenregion, assigned but the impactto a rural had development been limited projectto southern in a Mozambique. northern area The near two Lake forestry Malawi professionals that had they were home. in Mozambique, and their efforts continued long after Through the year, however, the situation changed. “It An Era of Change startedbeen, so with far, untouched a few attacks, by violence and just or kept conflict. getting closer, until it culminated in an ambush on German cooper- was also an important one for Cuso International as an ants working on a nearby state farm,” Greg recalls. Not only was it a critical time in African history, but it “The main reason for the attack was to scare off and staff member, David Beer recalls: “We were moving foreign cooperants.” fromorganization. innocence As in former the 60s Cuso and Internationalearly 70s—that cooperant was the 6 | THE CATALYST

decade of development. But, we - teers living and working in nation- became politicized with volun

poweral areas consciousness where there was rising conflict: in the Caribbean—allAsia with the Vietnam of this war, was black hap- - rienced a struggle, but we were awarepening. of Not the all trials volunteers and tribula expe- David (centre) in Lusaka with colleague Dorcas Nduna (right), at an ANC daycare centre being funded by CUSO. rights.” tions David of people was a fighting youth leadership for human trainer in Zambia in the early 1960s before taking on a staff position in Lusaka with Cuso International in 1970. “It was really in the late 70s that CUSO was involved with alsoorganizations, had the on-the-ground but we had this projects combination in several of countries bringing the liberation movements, as two freedom movements South Africans to Canada to speak of their story, and we were based in Zambia,” he said. “That wasn’t our central function, but this became part of our identity and work Africaaround Impacts South Africa.” Cooperants in the region. You couldn’t not be aware of it or become David dedicated his career to the movement, eventually involved.” the time, Cuso International was supporting projects years following apartheid, helping communities reclaim in the region to improve child care, women and girls’ andvolunteering return to theirand working lands once in MandelaSouth Africa became for aboutpresident. five education, At agriculture projects, as well as supporting their CUSO contracts ended, visiting forestry projects think it was very important to CUSO that we were andGreg anti-apartheid and Donna also groups. spent time in South Africa when parts of the African National Congress (ANC) in exile. “I impact lasted a lifetime. When the couple small compared to the Swedish government and huge returned to Canada, they became anti-apartheid activists involved,” said David. “Our role was significant, and still Africa’s and educators, pre- senting to schools and the general public. “It was a really important time to be there, to bear witness to that,” said Donna. “I learned so much and developed values that still serve me

your blood, and I still thinktoday. of Africa it today.” gets in

CUSO Forum, August 1990 THE CATALYST | 7 Trek to Machu Picchu

Team 2015

In October 2018 challenge yourself to make a difference. To learn more contact Amie at 1.888.434.2876 x 245 or [email protected] 8 | THE CATALYST S PAZa la i Young Colombians making their voices heard

olombia is a country with a complicated, violent in search of opportunities when a walkathon, or caminata, history, but there is new hope with the 2016 peace agreement between the government and the Colombia. C became the first step in a decades long commitment to When a group of students asked their teacher, Canadian Cuso International has a long relationship with Colombia,Revolutionary and isArmed among Forces those of who Colombia have recommitted (FARC). to helping build a lasting peace for Colombians. ExtremeNeil Webster, poverty how in they Colombia’s could help rural the areas recent had migrants brought manyto their migrants city Neil to came the city, up seekingwith the a ideabetter of life. a walkathon. The walk- Displacement, and poverty bring CUSO to Colombia athon was a huge success hosting 30,000 marchers and In the early 1970s David Catmur, director of the newly formed Projects Division at CUSO, was visiting Colombia They both became CUSO volunteers. introducing Jane Maxwell Neil and volunteered his wife Eleanor as a university to Dan and teacher CUSO.

started its work in Colombia. Her students were activists,in the early politically 1970s, not motivated long after by the their organization turbulent times. “I gained incredible insights into the reality of

dealing with huge social inequities,” recalls Jane. “I workedLatin American with highly countries educated trying students to develop who whilewere eager to make their country better, and I also worked as a counsellor to young women at risk living in reform schools, which showed me the other side of Marketplace in Bogata circa 1960s Colombia’s social struggles.” THE CATALYST | 9

Rights for all—a new constitution for Colombia Indigenous people in Colombia now had rights ensconced in their country’s 1991 constitution, and a strong national movement grew quickly. But after generations of being left out of the political process, knowledge of how to navigate the system and take advantage of their new political momentum was lacking. Don Cockburn worked for CUSO in the early 90s as liaison between headquarters in Ottawa projects with two Indigenous communities in Colombia.and the partners Travelling in the back field, and working forth gave mainly him on a unique opportunity to see the contrast between a developing nation under extreme social pres- sures and one like ours, with a stable democracy Gabriel Foreastero with villagers in Chocó rainforest and the social infrastructure that comes with it. The projects Don helped manage supported regional Indigenous groups in exercising their “One of the most interesting components of our work political rights, and with economic development was building a connection between the Indigenous people in a time of new opportunity. in Colombia and the Indigenous peoples of Canada. They faced similar challenges—such as how to do an environmental assessment for a large Ted Moses meets with Embera villagers infrastructure project. The opportunity to share experiences, and, in the long-term view, opening up trade channels between the two, seemed an obvious avenue to pursue.” Sadly, the security situation in Colombia had continued to deteriorate. The constant

and national military, along with kidnap- pings,conflict bombings, among the and cartels, assassinations guerilla groups, made

threats,it difficult Cuso for International international withdrew development from Colombiaorganizations in 2000. to operate. Faced with these 10 | THE CATALYST

Peace brings new opportunity in Colombia In the fall of 2016, the Colombian government signed a national opportunity as a “nexus” of all her passions and interests. “This was the moment. I feel connected again, of violence in the country in more than 40 years. and I feel like I am healing the ‘broken roots’ and releasing Colombianspeace agreement who withhave FARCnever resulting known a in country the lowest at peace level the pain of those early days.” now have renewed hope. Rosa has chosen to live in the same community in Cali Rosa Degado brings a unique volunteer perspective; that was her home in the 90s, working with the same she is a native Colombian who, like many, left in the 1990s people she knew as a young counsellor. “It’s different when conditions in her home country made her career now, more hopeful. There is a sense that both sides want in social work too dangerous to continue. She moved to this to work, to forgive and move forward together.” Toronto and has since worked with immigrant women It’s a fragile but optimistic time for a country that has seen almost 100 years of near-constant upheaval, and there was always a sense of loss at leaving Colombia Cuso International is proud to play a role in building a behind.from Latin American countries who were at risk, but lasting peace. Rosa says that, while she loves Canada and the opportunities it has given her, “I always felt divided in two— Canadian and Colombian. I’ve always wanted to go back, but it was as if I was waiting for a ‘healing moment’ when it felt right to return.”

task The of opportunityrebuilding a arrivedcivil society with at the a timepeace when accord. so many Non- hadgovernmental been displaced organizations or disenfranchised in Colombia for have so begun long that the things like social justice, gender equality, and employment options were forgotten concepts. She refers to this time, with new peace in Colombia, a lifetime of experience in Canada, and the Cuso Inter- Rosa facilitating youth training workshop

The thing that I like the most THE CATALYST | 11

IN THE MOOD FOR A BETTER WORLD Gerry and Sharleen in Honduras

fter Sharleen and Gerry Moodie retired from the The couple work as a team, blending Gerry’s operation corporate world, they wanted to spend two or and management experience with Sharleen’s sales and Athree years traveling the world. The couple con- marketing expertise. With a basic understanding of sulted with a travel doctor who asked if they ever con- Spanish, Gerry and Sharleen use Google translate to sidered volunteering for Cuso International. “We never have complex conversations with the people they are really did this kind of thing,” says Sharleen. “We never working with. even went backpacking before!” “We’re here to help the farmers,” says Sharleen. Most Curiosity piqued, Gerry contacted Cuso International of the farmers operate small farms and live on a salary and found a volunteer opportunity in Laos. “I asked of about $2,000 a year.

collapse, Gerry has observed that there are many well-ed- Sharleen Gerry ifdescribes she wanted the toexperience go to southeast developing Asia,” a Gerrysocial ucated As Honduras and eager redefines people itself who after lack its the recent fundamental economic enterprisesays. “And wemodel went!” for rice farmers in Laos as remarkable; foundations from which to grow. “We believe in the an experience replete with challenge and exceptional concept of social enterprise,” says Gerry. rewards. Sharleen and Gerry are developing export strategies Upon their return home, Sharleen describes feeling that will put more money into the pockets of farmers. restless. Before long, she and Gerry were heading to During her market research on the coffee industry, - program and train the program instructors. ative as well as six buyers seeking high quality coffee Tanzania, Today, the where couple they is volunteered on placement to redesignin Honduras a business where fromSharleen Honduras. identified She’ll four support potential the partners cooperatives for a cooper as they they are developing systems and strategies for farming develop relationships and pursue these exciting new cooperatives to improve their livelihoods. - eratives on the business strategies that will grow their existingopportunities. businesses. As well, she and Gerry will train the coop

says Sharleen. “Five years ago, we were more concerned “Volunteering has changed us as human beings,”

riceabout farmers.” the colour of our granite countertops. Now we are concerned about government influence on coffee and work, Gerry believes that acceptance is a key quality for a volunteer.Reflecting “Thereupon their will newfound be challenges,” passion he forsays. volunteer “It’s up Sharleen in Laos to you to adapt to the environment.” 12 | THE CATALYST Rule n September 2017, Ottawa lawyer Rosanna Carreon waved goodbye to her husband Denis Iand their teenaged sons Sam and Lucas, as she boarded an airplane for Yangon. of Rosanna has always had a deep passion for human rights, gender equality and poverty

volunteering after speaking with her aunt over thereduction, holidays but in she 2016. first Rosanna’s became interested aunt was in a retired nurse who had just completed two vol-

Uganda. unteer “I’ve placements—one always wanted into Vietnamhelp people,” and one says in Law Rosanna “My aunt’s experience really inspired me.” She started researching volunteer opportunities and connected with Cuso International. “Everybody knows about Cuso International,” Ros- anna says. “There was a great variety of opportunities in a range of different countries.” Rosanna accepted an opportunity in Myanmar, a country stepping out from under military rule. The country is establishing new political, economic and social structures that have the potential to build the economy, introduce new legis-

is tremendous hope for change in Myanmar,” sayslation Rosanna. and improve the lives of its citizens. “There THE CATALYST | 13

Rosanna spent six months working as a legal

projectsadvisor with and theprogramming Tharthi Myay in Foundationeducation, gender(TMF), rightsa granting and rule organization of law. In her that role, funds Rosanna community provided technical assistance to TMF’s partners and grant- ees. She worked with legal professionals and

survivors of gender-based violence. community organizations that work directly with Rosanna found herself immersed in interesting work As she with got tireless to know and her dedicated new work partner environment, organi-

analysis to review existing laws and examine new zations.legislation-such She applied as the her draft expertise bill of thein critical Prevention legal

drafted in 2013. of TMFViolence colleagues Against admired Women how law, Rosanna which was applied first her critical thinking skills to her review of laws. “Lawyers in Myanmar aren’t trained like Canadian lawyers communicated her desire to help them, while asking are,” says Rosanna. So, she developed and delivered in-house training on critical legal analysis. TMF hopes to professionalquestions and accomplishment listening actively from to the her answers. efforts After to help six the critical analysis skills they need to make an impact Myanmarmonths, Rosanna incorporate was filled gender with equality a sense in of its personal burgeoning and withcontinue their this advocacy training work. to give community organizations democracy. - - tions had on the people they serve. One meeting about porate Ottawa, she mused on the differences in work Rosanna saw first-hand the impact partner organiza environments. As Rosanna contemplatedThe atmosphere her at return TMF is to more work relaxed in cor Mawlamyine was interrupted when a participant got a callsafe from houses a woman at a reporting community-run a rape. This organization was not a rare in laughs.than in “It’sthe typicala lot more Canadian formal legal in Ottawa.” office. “I would go to trust among their constituents so rather than calling the meetings While she with was high-level in Myanmar, MPs Rosanna in flip-flops,” missed her Rosanna family, occurrence; over the years, these organizations have built but she never regretted her decision to volunteer. “Before Throughout her placement, Rosanna worked hard to I left, my eldest son Sam told me I inspired him,” says establishpolice, citizens trusting seek relationships help from these with organizations TMF partners. instead. She Rosanna. “Maybe one day, we’ll volunteer together.”

“There is tremendous hope for change in Myanmar” 14 | THE CATALYST

Alumnotes

A place to share and connect

Jacques Jobin When alumnus Eleanor Webb Claudia Kuryk-Serray Burundi 1965–1967 retired, she launched the Webb of Colombia 1971–1973 Uganda 1969 Excellence Scholarship Fund, a My life was changed by my time in In September 1965, my wife Hélène foundation that funds education Colombia. Shortly after my return Pedneaud and I left for Burundi as for girls at the secondary school home to Winnipeg the coup d’état newlyweds. During our placement, where she volunteered in Ghana. in Chile saw many refugees come Eleanor recently returned to to Canada. There were few Spanish Ghana to meet the Foundation’s speakers in Winnipeg and as the our firstborn, Stéphane Ntwari was word spread that I was a nurse who born—surely one of the first CUSO/ her visit, Eleanor was installed as If anybody is curious about how first scholarship recipients. During spoke Spanish, refugees sought me volunteerSUCO babies service born in overseas the field! can a Queen Mother in recognition of out at the clinic and at home. impact children, here’s where they her contribution to the school. are today. Stéphane serves at the coup d’état, I was presented with Canadian Embassy in Moscow, Rus- At the 40th anniversary of the sia. Maxime is now the mayor of Chilean community. a HumanitarianMy life has been Award very exciting from the to is a lawyer who served four years say the least, so thank you, Cuso Gatineau, Quebec. And Emmanuelle International! Justice. Today, she is a jurilinguist atin theNunavut Department at the Departmentof Justice here of Michael Primiani in Ottawa. South Africa 1973–1975 Peggy and Bob Cumming Nicole Hainault Zambia 1969–1972 Nigeria 1966–1967 I had the pleasure of attending the Uganda 1967–1968 Cuso International reunion with I want to respond to Harold Poh- my wife, Peggy Cumming. Since the oresky’s inquiry about a Quebecer reunion, I came across the attached who loaned him $1. I too left photo that I wanted share. The photo shows new CUSO volunteers, the Biafra war. Rather than being who had just landed in Chiptata in repatriatedNigeria, in August I chose 1967 to becausebe trans- of I feel very strongly that volunteers travelled to their placements in the ferred to Uganda. I do not really August 1969. From there, they gained more from the experience remember the $1 but I came from eastern province of Zambia. overseas than we actually contrib- west of Montreal and if I’m not the uted to the host country. I was “Pelletier” he remembers, we could fortunate to have worked in 16 still exchange memories. countries over a period of 17 years. I am enclosing some of my poems Eleanor Louise Webb that express my sentiments on the Ghana 1968–70 experience in other countries. Botswana 1973–74 Sudan 1974–75 cusointernational.org/alumni to read Michael’s poems Visit

. THE CATALYST | 15

Diane Shepherd was an extension of a career already Nigeria 1982 dedicated to development work. University Humanitarian Alumni - Carleton graduates for volunteer Award. This award recognizes inally from Bangladesh but I am community service that has made 2010 as First Secretary for Develop- My name is Nebiha Huq. I am orig a difference to the well-being of mentHe had with served the Canadian in Afghanistan Embassy in and I were very close while working others. and with the then Canadian currently living in Vancouver. Diane as a teacher in GGSS Kankiya, Without Borders Canada s Prior to joining Veterinarians International Development Agency. Kadunain Nigeria state, in 1982. with Diane me, and worked she Executive Director, Chris was Special Requests a became a close friend to me and the Country Program Director Researcher seeks report submitted my family. for Cuso International in to Robert Mugabe by John Saxby on We lost contact with Diane Nigeria March 21, 1983. around 1990 when she was living where he was instrumental U.K. researcher seeks information in Ontario, and we are very eager on Jeremey Corbyn who to connect with her. If anybody volun- knows how to contact Diane, please email [email protected] or phone teered with VSO in 778.881.2446. Thank you! Jamaica,Sarawak 1967 to. the world- researcher shares paper on Christopher Braeuel development efforts in Tanzania 2013–2014 in launching the Youth Leadership, Sarawak. On September 16, 2017, Chris was Read details about the special presented with a 2017 Carleton Entrepreneurship, His volunteer placement Access in 2013 and requests and more updates from Development (YouLead) project. other alumni at cusointernational.org/alumni Alumni Flashback

Did you recognize anyone in the photo? We asked our readers to send in their best guesses about this photo. Check out the stories at cusointernational.org/alumni

Do you recognize anyone from this photo? Help us dust off this memory by sharing your stories or identifying those in the picture. Please email us at [email protected] or send us a tweet at @ CusoIntl using the hashtag #flashback. Submissions will be shared via the next edition of The Catalyst. 16 | THE CATALYST

In Memoriam

Robin Cullum Susan was a lifelong educator Tanzania 1968-1969 and administrator in the local where she pioneered new ap- school system for over 42 years. proachesCuso International to teaching health in Nigeria, educa- away peacefully at Élisabeth Bru- Susan gave her time, energy and tion to children. She returned to yèreRobin Hospital Alexander after Cullum a rapid passeddecline enthusiasm freely to all those Canada and concluded her career around her. at Save the Children, Canada. Robin was noted for his dry wit, Sydney was caring and compas- knownin health for on his November quirky behaviour 15, 2017. and Elizabeth Dugger-Udell sionate, with a strong will, a great almost made famous by his world Burundi 1967-1969 sense of adventure and a deep love travels, which frequently included of her family. an unplanned stop-over in an exotic passed peacefully at age 75, with hospital. herOn family March by 27, her 2017, side. Elizabeth Michael Jack Rosberg Colombia 1966-1968 Galen Kennel reader and gifted gardener, Michael Rosberg passed away on Gambia 1988-1990 An adventurous traveller, keen Galen Lee Kennel died on September family with a nurturing spirit. To We will remember Michael’s theElizabeth end, she loved was strongand cared and playful,for her delightJune 18, for 2016 the in small Belmopan, things Belize.in life, Home in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. embracing her quirky sense of love for family and witty sense of 19, Galen2017, atloved the Mennonitetraveling, creatingNursing humour and her faith in the Lord. humour. unique projects in his woodwork- Sydney Woollcombe Helen Rommings hiking and birdwatching. Nigeria 1989-1991 Jamaica 1990-1991 ing/metalworking shop, as well as Helen Rommings passed away on Susan McPhail-Lopez Jamaica 1972-1976 ageSydney 80 on Anne March Woollcombe 28, 2017 after (nee a One cannot think of Helen with- Susan passed away at the age of 70 Machell) passed away peacefully at outApril remembering 9, 2016 at the ageher of sense 86. of at the Cornwall Community Hos- In 1989, Sydney embarked on a humour, kind and caring nature, pital on Saturday, May 20, 2017. life-changinglong struggle two-year with Alzheimer’s. posting with many talents and her great capacity to love. Her passing leaves a deep emptiness that hopefully with time,

memories that we made together. Shewill wasbe filleda light and in our healed lives. by the

cusointernational.org/ alumni to celebrate the lives of otherVisit: members of the Cuso International family. THE CATALYST | 3

PAYING IT FORWARD “MY GIFT TO CUSO INTERNATIONAL REFLECTS MY PERSONAL JOURNEY AND VALUES”

It’s hard to put into words just how and how much I grew as an individual meaningful my volunteer experience with Cuso International was for me. I believe that more Canadians I started my journey thinking of the shouldduring my have time the in Nigeria.opportunity to many ways that I would make a volunteer internationally and see the difference…how my work would world through new eyes. That’s why improve the lives of people in a I’m so pleased to be making a gift in developing country. The most remark- my Will so that I can pay it forward able thing for me, however, was real- in a way that is meaningful to me.

izing how much my life was enhanced, Donna Miniely, Nigeria ’80 To learn more about how you too can continue to play an integral role in Cuso International’s mission by leaving a legacy gift, please contact Melissa Graham, Manager, Major Gifts and Legacy Giving. We would be happy to send you a copy of Cuso International’s legacy brochure.

Phone (toll-free): +1.888.434.2876 x205 | Email: [email protected] Your next journey with Cuso International can start with a Click cusointernational.org/evol