Project Freedom at Last
My Dad, who has been a Treasurer for one of the local Buddhist temples in Mass. the past 16 years, has brought the following situation to us this past weekend and I’d like to pass it on to you, my generous internet friends, for your help.
After the fall of Saigon in 1975 and takeover by the communist party, many Vietnamese have fled the country (ourselves included), in search of freedom in fear of persecution by the government, mostly by boat (you might have heard of the “boat people” during the ’80s). Some have reached their final destinations safely, some have perished on their way, or some, in this case, have been stranded in the Philippines in limbo and “stateless” for the past 17 years.
Over 2000 refugees have landed in the Philippines 17 years ago. But since they were not granted permanent residency, they have no rights, including the right to work, social services, travel or own property. As their only mean of survival, these impoverished refugees were forced to sell goods as street vendors but often imprisoned for working illegally, often no one to fend for except themselves.
Australia was the first country to resettle 230 of the “stateless” refugees under the Special Humanitarian Program (SHP). The UK, U.S., Norway and Canada have stepped in to resettle the rest of the refugees with 161 remaining refugees still in the Philippines today.
On May 10. 2007 the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced that it will “facilitate the immigration of the Vietnamese who remained in the Philippines based on humanitarian and compassionate consideration”, after 5 years of lobbying by the Vietnamese community in Canada.
Project Freedom at Last was started by the Vietnamese Canadian Federation (VCF) as a fund raising effort to aid the remaining refugees to resettle in Canada. The total cost of resettlement is $322, 194 USD which is needed for application processing, medical examinations, permanent residence fees, and transportation fees.
As one of the “boat people” 27 years ago, I am grateful to my Mom’s brother for sponsoring us to this great country. It’s now my turn to help my fellow immigrants. Therefore, I’m asking you to assist my Dad and me in passing this “call to action” along (got to love having a blog as word-of-mouth).
The deadline to reach the aforementioned amount is 12/31/2007. Any donations, checks or money orders (excluding cash please), would be greatly appreciated, made payable to “Vietnamese Canadian Centre/Project Freedom at Last” and can be sent to:
Vietnamese Canadian Centre
249 Rochester St.
Ottawa, ON K1R 7M9 Canada
Donations of CDA $5 or above will be issued a tax receipt which can be used in either Canada or the U.S. Donations can be sent to Canada or if you’d prefer, send it to:
VOICE
(Vietnamese Overseas Initiative for Conscience Empowerment-a U.S. based non-profit organization)
c/o Lisa Nguyen or Hoi Trinh (lawyers for VOICE)
1802 South St. N.W.
Washington D.C. 20009
As the Dalai Lama said “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion”. I thank you in advance for your generosity, humanitarian, and compassion in helping the 161 refugees reach their final destination, their home sweet home, and their freedom…at last!
My Dad, who has been a Treasurer for one of the local Buddhist temples in Mass. the past 16 years, has brought the following situation to us this past weekend and I’d like to pass it on to you, my generous internet friends, for your help.
After the fall of Saigon in 1975 and takeover by the communist party, many Vietnamese have fled the country (ourselves included), in search of freedom in fear of persecution by the government, mostly by boat (you might have heard of the “boat people” during the ’80s). Some have reached their final destinations safely, some have perished on their way, or some, in this case, have been stranded in the Philippines in limbo and “stateless” for the past 17 years.
Over 2000 refugees have landed in the Philippines 17 years ago. But since they were not granted permanent residency, they have no rights, including the right to work, social services, travel or own property. As their only mean of survival, these impoverished refugees were forced to sell goods as street vendors but often imprisoned for working illegally, often no one to fend for except themselves.
Australia was the first country to resettle 230 of the “stateless” refugees under the Special Humanitarian Program (SHP). The UK, U.S., Norway and Canada have stepped in to resettle the rest of the refugees with 161 remaining refugees still in the Philippines today.
On May 10. 2007 the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced that it will “facilitate the immigration of the Vietnamese who remained in the Philippines based on humanitarian and compassionate consideration”, after 5 years of lobbying by the Vietnamese community in Canada.
Project Freedom at Last was started by the Vietnamese Canadian Federation (VCF) as a fund raising effort to aid the remaining refugees to resettle in Canada. The total cost of resettlement is $322, 194 USD which is needed for application processing, medical examinations, permanent residence fees, and transportation fees.
As one of the “boat people” 27 years ago, I am grateful to my Mom’s brother for sponsoring us to this great country. It’s now my turn to help my fellow immigrants. Therefore, I’m asking you to assist my Dad and me in passing this “call to action” along (got to love having a blog as word-of-mouth).
The deadline to reach the aforementioned amount is 12/31/2007. Any donations, checks or money orders (excluding cash please), would be greatly appreciated, made payable to “Vietnamese Canadian Centre/Project Freedom at Last” and can be sent to:
Vietnamese Canadian Centre
249 Rochester St.
Ottawa, ON K1R 7M9 Canada
Donations of CDA $5 or above will be issued a tax receipt which can be used in either Canada or the U.S. Donations can be sent to Canada or if you’d prefer, send it to:
VOICE
(Vietnamese Overseas Initiative for Conscience Empowerment-a U.S. based non-profit organization)
c/o Lisa Nguyen or Hoi Trinh (lawyers for VOICE)
1802 South St. N.W.
Washington D.C. 20009
As the Dalai Lama said “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion”. I thank you in advance for your generosity, humanitarian, and compassion in helping the 161 refugees reach their final destination, their home sweet home, and their freedom…at last!
What a neat thing to be able to do with your blog. It sure seems like it’s about time to help these people out. I wish you, your dad and these refugees the very best of luck!
Thanks a lot Jeff! We hope this will spread the word.
Hope they can be helped
Good on you, Betty. Four kids and you still want to help other people. Can’t blame you one bit.
It is a small token of what I can do for these folks, Mrs. Chicky regardless how many kids I’m blessed with!
Wow I lead a sheltered life. I had no idea.
I think blogs can really help get the word out for the causes we champion. You’re a good person, Betty.
You’re too kind KC! I’m sure you’d do the same!
I didn’t realize this at all. I’m so sheltered. Thanks for taking the time to keep us informed.