Contents
- Impact Africa
- Bains Dinner
Making an Impact
APRIL 22, 2006 - The cash flowed as freely as the coffee at downtown Hamilton's Frwy Cafe Saturday night, as hundreds of people delved deep to make a difference in the fight against AIDS in Africa.
'Impact Africa' gave a glimpse not only of the generosity of Hamiltonians - around $6,000 was raised by the end of the night - but also the city's musical and artistic talent. Cartoons, graffiti, abstract art and photography were some of the contributions to the silent art auction, while local bands like Hewit (right) and the Ben Bowen Trio made a not-so-silent contribution with their music.
As people browsed the paintings or lounged on the sofas between numbers, they had a chance to find out where their money was going. Representatives from the Mennonite Central Committee talked about the 'Generations at Risk' program, which works with people affected by HIV/AIDS and tackles root causes like poverty in a continent where entire generations have been wiped out.
[Left: An MCC-funded worker in Chad cradles an AIDS orphan]
With the evening drawing to a close, they, together with members of the downtown faith group who organized the event, expressed their gratitude on behalf of those who couldn't be there to say 'thank you' - the hundreds of men, women and children whose lives will be made a little easier by the good will of Hamiltonians.
'Impact Africa' - the bands...
...and the art
Notorious Hamilton graffiti artist Chek transfers his skills to canvas (right)
Local photographer John Bowen donated some of his more abstract work (left)
Children from The Meeting House church in Hamilton donated their interpretations of helping others and global unity (below)
