NECEF in its 25-year history has not conducted regular fund raising nor does it have a membership fee. Our financial support has come mainly from the voluntary donations of members and friends, and in the past only rarely from government sources for specific projects in

Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank.

 

During 2007 Gaza has been subjected to a siege by the Israeli Forces of occupation repeatedly trampling on the most basic human rights of its population. The siege has shown no respite and has led to a progressive destruction of its institutions and material infrastructure essential to maintain public health and social order. These events have given us grave concern and motivated NECEF to write a simple letter to our members and friends asking for financial support for the people of Gaza.

 

About 800 letters were sent, of which 150 were returned to us with donations. This represents a 19% response rate. The nature of the response was surprising to us and multifaceted. Altogether NECEF received $ 24, 000 CDN, of which $14.000 was from NGOs, with a range of donations between $500 and $1,000, and the rest from private persons with a range of $10 to $1000. Most donations came from Canada, particularly Toronto and Vancouver, and the rest from USA.

 

By the end of the Fall donations were still coming and we sent $25,000 to Gaza via the Middle East Council of Churches, our reliable and generous conduit. No overheads have been deducted at either end, including mailing costs, and the full sum will be given to responsible organizations, individuals and families in need in Gaza.

In conclusion, the wide response from across Canada shows us that indeed NECEF is a national organization. In spite of our limited experience in fund raising, our message has had a broad appeal and the response has been very generous. This response has touched our hearts and renewed our faith.

 

Federico Allodi.

Fund Raiser for Gaza: A Report

NECEF Report Fall 2007

By Dr. Federico Allodi

Photography by Barnabe  F. Geisweiller