As you may be aware, there has been a significant shift in CIDA’s approach to funding NGOs. Along with 100 other charities previously supported by CIDA, we were recently informed that our funding will not be renewed in the current funding cycle. While we will strive to restore their support, this does present a serious challenge to our programs.

We will be turning to committed, generous global citizens here at home to help us continue the great work we do. If you have fundraising ideas, know of corporations we could approach, or would like to donate, please contact us by email, or call 416-977-0008.

The shifting trends in foreign aid has been an ongoing story for some time now. For more information on the changes that are affecting hundreds of organizations here at home, and millions of people overseas, be sure to read and follow The New Humanitarians series – a partnership between The Globe and Mail and the Canadian International Council. Also a worthwhile listen is the CBC’s Anna-Maria Tremonti, discussing CIDA’s new funding priorities.

Hundreds of women attended the rallies to learn more about the causes, symptoms and various ways to prevent transmission of the disease.

Ashok Dubay, our health program manager, delivered lectures in two of the communities in which the rallies were held: Batuapura and Kirahia. His talks focused on the myths surrounding HIV/AIDS and the different prevention methods such as safe sex practices and safe blood transfusions.

Badi Devi attended Dubay’s lecture in Batuapura. She didn’t know much about AIDS before the lecture, she says, but she now understands more about it. She brought her daughter along to the meetings so that she too could be informed.

December 1 wasn’t the first time that Devi attended a WLC-organized health awareness meeting; she’s a regular attendee. She really enjoys learning about living healthier, she says.