Youth Conference fundraiser in Montreal

In late December, approximately 35 people of all ages participated in a fundraiser on the West Island of Montreal to recuperate the costs of the youth conferences in Canada.

In late December, a group of youth studying Book 5 and their tutors organized a fundraising dinner on the West Island of Montreal to help recuperate the costs of the three youth conferences in Canada, in response to the call from the National Spiritual Assembly. It was a wonderful evening, full of warmth, love and spirituality.

After the event, one of the participants, Amelia (Milly) Clarke, shared these reflections in an email to her co-workers in the Cause:

I just felt moved to share this with you . . . The fundraiser last night was SO WONDERFUL! About 35 people came to a dinner hosted in the West Island and $2,500 was raised [for] the Fund. What was even more heartwarming than this was the sweet presentation of the youth to the parents and adults who had come to support the fundraiser. They shared some personal experiences from the conference, their impressions of those precious days, and their efforts since the conference. Many [commented on] the unity of vision that they have seen since the conference and also the momentum they feel. They also said that [due to] the conference and the ongoing support of their facilitator and tutors, they now really feel part of the cluster and its movement.

The parents were equally touched. The mother of one youth who was [unable] to attend the conference, who is studying Book 5, mentioned that she was so sad that her son could not attend the conference, but [that she] sees a transformation in him since he participated in the study circle. . . . She said that she . . . would unconditionally support any effort of these youth because she can see the transformation in her son.

Another adult pulled aside two of the youth and shared that when she saw them, she felt so much joy and could see their true friendship.

The evening was full of laughter, singing, music, and true joy as all, both young and old, shared in fellowship in this act of generosity.

I can’t express how much joy I felt at that fundraiser gathering! To me, this group of youth is such an example of mutual support and friendship, enkindled by the Montreal Youth Conference and galvanized by the Institute Process!

–Merryl Hammond