Canadian Federation of University Women present donation to youth centre “Helene Fund”
On Thursday, April 25, two members of the Canadian Federation of University Women, Deborah Dimitruk (President) and Linda Schachtler visited the Missisquoi North Volunteer Centre (CABMN) to present a $500 donation from the group to the CABMN Youth Centre “Helene Fund” represented in the photo by Youth Centre Coordinator, Ethan Ball and Animator, Tess Coll Hostyn.
The Helene Fund was created at the Youth Centre many years ago following the death of Helene Forget a resident of Sutton, Quebec. Wanting to keep Helene’s memory alive, her family created and have donated to this fund that is used at the discretion of the Youth Centre staff in aid of any youth who may be experiencing difficulty in affording a meal, the money needed for a school activity or trip or a young person needing an article of clothing etc…
Helene Forget was known for her generous spirit especially when it came to helping children and young people. Having no children of her own, she was an extra pair of hands, ears, eyes as her siblings raised their children. Always lending a hand when she could, she was “ma Tante Helene-aunt Helen” to her nieces and nephews as well as to the neighborhood children. Whether a child needed guidance or a warm hug, she was there to quietly make a difference in their lives.
The Helene Fund is used discretely
and in aid of children of all ages in a variety of ways through the Youth Centre. Snacks for the children, book bags, school photos, or the fees to attend an outing…helene has been there, behind the scenes lending a hand as she always did.
“This donation assures that we can keep the Helene Fund going,” said Ethan Ball-yc Coordinator. “It is nice to know the funds are there when we see a child, youth or family struggling and in need,” he added.
Ten years following her death, Helene would be tickled to know that a group like the CFUW would donate in her memory to keep lending a helping hand to children in this way. Much like the fund, Helene was a force doing all she could in her own way to support and aid others. “Ma Tante,” would be so proud to know that her memory lives on in this way.
The Canadian Federation of University Women in a National organization with 94 clubs across Canada with a club in the Eastern
Townships (Sherbrooke and District). Members come from as far as Richmond, Glen Sutton and Stanstead. The CFUW scholarships foundation (Lampe Foundation) bestows close to $50,000 per year in scholarships to deserving students.
The club offers social & activity and cultural outings. As well, an important part of CFUW is the advocacy work done locally, nationally and globally. Possessing a university degree is not a requirement for joining. For any information please write to: cfuwsherbrooke@gmail.com
If you would like to donate to the Helene Fund, please visit the CABMN website where, a you can donate through canadahelps and note the Helene Fund as your cause of choice at www.cabmn.org . You can also donate by mail with your cheque payable to: Missisquoi North Volunteer Centre, 314B Principale, Mansonville, Quebec J0E 1X0 and write “the Helene Fund” in the note line. Your kindness is always appreciated.