An evening of Guatemala coming soon

Elizabeth Knowles

Two years ago, after eighteen years of community and educational development work in Guatemala, Susan and Richard Schmaltz (Sandy Hill), founders of the locally based NGO Oneness Through Service – Guatemala, passed the torch to the next generation of service workers: Shannon Moyle (Sandy Hill), Maclane Philips (Chicago), Madeli Quinonez (Guatemala). The name was changed to Planting Seeds International in order to reflect the expanding breadth and scope of the organization and its projects. Through educational initiatives and community development projects, with Shannon and Mac as Co-Executive Directors in Guatemala City, Planting Seeds International supports people living in extreme poverty in Guatemala, but also seeks to break down the structures and barriers that keep its citizens impoverished.

The NGO’s seventh annual fundraising dinner will be held on Saturday, April 13, at St. Joseph Parish Hall, 174 Wilbrod St. It will bring together the Canadian-based Board of Directors, representatives of the U.S. and Guatemalan Boards as well as Shannon and Mac, with the founders groups and their associates.

There is an evening of fun and surprises in store. On arrival, you will be immediately struck by the explosion of rich Guatemalan colours filling the entire venue. The presentations and videos delivered by Shannon and Mac will have you on your feet—their passion and love for the people of Guatemala is obvious and, more importantly, infectious. No one will leave the event without tears—tears of laughter and fun and the humbling tears of appreciation for the work that is being done by Planting Seeds International.

The evening will run between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. For the third year Chef Ric and his team of trainees from The Ottawa Mission will prepare a delicious, culturally centred three-course, sit-down dinner. The silent auction, cash bar, entertainment and mercado/market of Guatemalan handicrafts all return. Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased by calling Aileen at 613-234-9012 or emailing her at aileen.moyle@gmail.com. A  tax receipt for approximately $40 per ticket is available.

For detailed information regarding the philosophy, background and the work of Planting Seeds International see the website plantingseedsinternational.org or Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.