Canadians for Women in Afghanistan Annual Gala

Apr 01, 2015

By Madeliene Tarasick

Canadians for Women in Afghanistan is pleased to announce its Annual Fundraising Gala to be held on Friday, May 1 at the Vimy Officers Mess at Canadian Forces Base Kingston. Guest speaker will be General (Ret.) Walter Natynczyk, currently the Deputy Minister of Veteran Affairs. General Natynczyk, who was the chief commanding officer of Canadian Forces for a number of years while Canada was deployed in Afghanistan, will share his “Reflections on the Afghan Mission”.

The event, with doors opening at 5:30 pm, will also feature an Afghan dinner, an Afghan marketplace and the all-popular live and silent auctions.

Canadians for Women in Afghanistan is a volunteer-based, non-religious organization and registered charity whose mission is to support women, girls and families in Afghanistan. The Kingston and area chapter is one of 13 across the country. Together the organization has raised over 7 million dollars and educated more than 50,000 girls in Afghanistan by hiring teachers and supporting other programs. Currently, the organization is training teachers at a rate of 1,000 per year, which provides enormous benefit for thousands of children. This work aligns with Canada’s support of Afghanistan and offers a tangible way for ordinary Canadians to make contributions to Afghanistan, building on the traction so hard won over the past 14 years. National and Local President and Parham resident, Madeliene Tarasick, also emphasizes the urgency of public education: “Public education for the masses in any nation reduces poverty as well as the vulnerability to religious extremism, critical now more than ever”.

The Kingston and Area Chapter has raised more than $173,000 to date plus approximately $20,000 in direct donations. For an in depth understanding of the organization, see the national website: www.cw4wafghan.ca.

Canadians for Women in Afghanistan is still seeking sponsors for the event or donations to the auctions.

Tickets are $100, with a $45 income tax receipt, and are available at the Limestone District Education Centre, 220 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, during daily working hours or from Madeliene Tarasick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 613 375-8290. Ticket sales will close on Apr