Radio Interview About ACCESS and Life in the Dominican Republic

On November 20, 2007 Daniel Francavilla was interviewed by Fr. Claudio Piccinini, C.P. and guests on Radio Teopoli, a daily English and Italian Catholic Radio program on Ciao Radio AM 530.

Listen to the interview by clicking here.

To listen to Radio Teopoli's regular programming (Italian and English), visit their media page on www.teopoli.org.

Imbalance of Wealthy vs. Poor

The wealthiest 20% of the world’s population own 74% of the world's wealth. The poorest 20% only owns 2%. If money is power, then clearly there's an imbalance here.

The standard world poverty line is $1.08 a day, that's it. What do you think of this? Do you think that the wealthy portion of the world, including North Americans, would be willing to sacrifice some of their luxuries to balance it out for the rest of the world's people?

Share your thoughts... remember, we're spending millions of dollars a year on MP3 players, you'd think we could take some away to help those dying around the world.

Office of Catholic Youth Recognizes ACCESS

The "OCY e-update" for April 28, 2006 included a mention of the creation and work of the "ambitious program", ACCESS. Father Edwin Gonsalves is the Director of the Office of Catholic Youth, and has recognized our organization. Here is the closing statement:

“I wish to share with you the story of Daniel Francavilla from the parish of Marguerite d’Youville who is witnessing to the resurrection. This young man visited the Dominican Republic and discovered that the young children lacked school supplies. On returning home, he decided to talk to his parish community and they raised a sizeable amount of money for the children in the Dominican Republic. This ambitious program is called A.C.C.E.S.S: allowing children a chance at education with school supplies. This young man and many others are witnessing to the resurrection. They are overcoming the negative influences in our world, by doing good. Christ is truly Risen. Let us continue to celebrate…”

Successful Presentation at Superintendent's Meeting

On April 15th, 2006 I was given the honour to present at a meeting held at Accession of Our Lord Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario. The presentation included the homily previously presented at St. Marguerite d’Youville church as well as pictures of the people of Dominican Republic. In attendance were the administrators and other staff of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, who were exposed to the Dominican Republic trip experience. This served as an excellent source of exposure for ACCESS and for the needs that are present in the Dominican Republic.

A Fundraising Idea Called "Change for Change"

Change for Change, could be a Student/Work/Family Project, to raise money for ACCESS.

You would just keep a jar by the front door or common meeting place, fill it up with extra change ($) from the day. When it's full, email ACCESS and we'll pick it up for you!

Why do this? It's a constant reminder that there are other people who need your support out there, and that you do have so much extra, even if it may not feel that way. Good?

What are your thoughts??? Can this work, or do you have any better ideas for small-scale fundraising?

Presentations at St. Nicholas School

The visit to St. Nicholas Elementary School in Bolton, Ontario included presentation with pictures to the Intermediate students (grade 7 & 8 classes) as well as the grade 5 and 6 classes, with great listening and participation. Thank you to the Principal and the Teacher who allowed for this opportunity.

Students Donate from Class Business Project

A grade ten business class at St. Marguerite d'Youville Secondary School donated the profits they raised from their Candy Apple Sale in October. The generous class presented ACCESS with a cheque of $242.93 on November 6, 2007. Thank you to Diana Prior and her first period class for their thoughtfulness, making an impact to those in need.

View larger picture and class picture. Photos by Ann Le