FROM LAKE ONTARIO TO GAZA: Toronto Cruise to Raise Funds to Send a Canadian
Boat to Gaza

TORONTO, Sept. 23 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada's largest river showboat, the Jubilee Queen, has been chartered for an evening dedicated to supporting a Canadian humanitarian voyage to Gaza.

On Saturday Sept. 25, a sunset cruise on Lake Ontario aboard the "Queen" will raise funds for a Canadian mission as part of the Free Gaza Flotilla Movement in the eastern Mediterranean.  "This will give people the taste of being on the boat although the trip to Gaza is not expected to be enjoyable in the same way this evening promises to be," said Sandra Ruch, of the Canadian Boat to Gaza steering committee.

The Sept. 25 Toronto fundraiser is part of a growing cross-country effort to send a Canadian ship with the next international flotilla challenging the blockade of Gaza, which restricts entry of materials into Gaza and does not allow any exports to leave. In May, Israeli commandoes stormed a Free Gaza flotilla in international waters, killing nine on board a Turkish ship, the Mavi Marmara.

Similar fundraising efforts are underway in cities across Canada. The Canadian Boat to Gaza plans to sail before the end of the year. Our sister project, the Audacity of Hope (the US boat to Gaza) raised over $30,000 US on a similar cruise on the Hudson  River.

The Jubilee Queen departs at 7 pm from 539 Queens Quay W., just west of Spadina. A Mediterranean buffet on board will feature tastes of the region. Entertainment includes dancing and music until the ship returns to port at 11 pm.

Boarding passes, including dinner and entertainment, are $75, available by calling (416-716-4010), Beit Zatoun (647-726-9500) or the Women's Bookstore (416-922-8744). Proceeds will go to the Canada Boat to Gaza Committee, a partner of the Free Gaza Movement.

Launched in 1986, the Jubilee Queen is a replica of luxury sternwheelers that used to ply inland waters. Appointments include spacious salons, Tiffany lamps, a large patio sundeck, two fully licensed cash bars and comfortable seating.

The Spadina-Harbourfront streetcar stops near the dock. For those driving to the ship, underground parking is a few feet away.

www.canadaboatgaza.org                     [email protected]

For further information:

Austin Whitten 647-521-4887
Ehab Lotayef 514-941-9722