Benefit Gala in support of Development and Peace

EDMONTON, May 10, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Providing people with the opportunity to vote, helping people protect their land, supporting indigenous communities in defending their rights - these are just some of the ways in which the international development organization DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE is helping to build a world of justice.

On May 11^th 2012, the general public is invited to support these efforts at a benefit Cultural Evening at St-Agnes Parish. Participants will be treated to foods from around the world, as well as musical and dance performances from various cultures. All proceeds from the event will go to DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE for its work in the Global South. The organization recently had its funding from the federal government reduced by 65%, and is hoping to make up the difference through public donations.

The evening will feature performances by the Philippine Choral, the Nrityalaya School of Dance, the University of Alberta Middle Eastern and North African Music Ensemble, and the Haitian Academy of Art and Dance, amongst others.

For over 40 years, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE has been supporting grassroots organizations in some of the poorest countries in the Global South in their struggle for social justice and in their efforts to improve their living conditions. It supports more than 200 sustainable projects in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. As the Canadian member of Caritas Internationalis, it also responds to emergencies caused by natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

"It'll be great event where people can discover the multiculturalism of their city while supporting a great cause," says Sara Michel, who is one of the organizers of the benefit gala.

The event will take place:

Friday May 11^th
6:00 p.m.
St. Agnes Parish
10826 62 Avenue
Edmonton AB

Tickets: $20
(Kids under 12 for FREE)

Sara Michel
Tel.: [phone]
Email: [email protected]