FROM THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER - November 2009

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

November, 2009 - By Lou Ferrand 

      June 14, 2009 was a wonderful afternoon for the FQ annual picnic/meeting. Tom and Sue Gittins provided a great back yard and sausages and hamburgers. Everyone brought side dishes to complement the feast. With the most recent round of Fondo Q's grants and scholarships approved in October 2009, we have helped fund educations and training opportunities for 374 low-income Dominicans this year at a cost of approximately $14,700.  Many of these were for group awards such as an award to 22 women to learn how to make artisan bags; an award to 15 members of a coffee cooperative for organic agriculture certification training, an award to 10 youth in a "Brigada Verde" group to learn about coral reef preservation; and an award to 25 youth for a business course on starting and managing their own business in their communities.  Individual awards were given for computer and English classes, an HIV/AIDS program; an apprenticeship in masonry and woodworking; a beauty salon course; and many more.

     It is always amazing to me that a relatively small amount of money can go so far in helping individuals change their lives.

     I know that these are difficult financial times for all of us.  However, please contribute and help us to help low-income Dominicans who otherwise might not have the opportunity to learn and develop skills which can help them to change, in a positive way, their lives and those of their loved ones.                                                                                       

 I wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.