|
The Icelandic National League of North America (INL of NA) was formed in 1918 and held its founding convention on March 25, 1919 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Since the very beginning, it has played a leading role in most public spirited and cultural activities among the Icelandic people in Canada and the United States of America.
Update on the Christmas Charity drive
In response to the current economic situation in Iceland, the idea of a charity drive was presented to and adopted by the Icelandic National League of North America. As an initial campaign, the INL member clubs set a goal of a Christmas campaign to support the Icelandic charity Mæðrastyrksnefnd, an organization that has been around since 1928 helping families. They provide food, clothing and Christmas gifts for children. This Christmas they have been joined by and the Red Cross in holiday time efforts as the need has increased greatly.
The INL’s immediate goal was to raise funds in a short time to make some people’s Christmas brighter. We didn’t have much time to fundraise as this idea was adopted on November 22 and we wanted funds to get to Iceland by mid-December.
What a great response we had, in just under 3 weeks we raised $15,000 for the Mæðrastyrksnefnd! Not only has this money helped Icelanders it has helped us too. It was a way to help us feel less helpless, it was satisfying for people to be able to “make a difference” for our relatives abroad. It shows how well we can pull together quickly when the need is there.
The situation in Iceland will not be resolved overnight, this will be an on-going situation for a while. We are considering a longer-term approach to support of Icelandic charities.
Many thanks to the administrator and office staff of Icelandic Harbour/Höfn of Vancouver for their invaluable assistance with this effort.
In the interim we are still receiving funds to be directed to Mæðrastyrksnefnd. If you wish to make a donation you may mail donations to the INL office, please mark clearly that the funds are for donation to Icelandic charity:
Cheques should be made out to the Icelandic National League. You may also get in touch with your local club or the INL office for further information or a local contact for this campaign.
Now is the time to act on your heritage and support your relatives and friends in Iceland.
Gail Einarson-Mcleary Birthday fundraiser
Reminder: This is the best possible time to visit Iceland. Prices are good and it will help the economy. Deadline for the Snorri Plus program is Feb. 26th. Check out this link.
|
