Dear Friends,
This fundraising campaign is being set up on behalf of the War
Resisters Support Campaign - Winnipeg Chapter planning a fundraising
and awareness-raising event about American War Resisters in Canada.
There are an estimated 200 War Resisters in Canada, including Joshua
Key who is currently living in Winnipeg.
While Joshua joined the
army voluntarily, he was sent to Iraq and asked to participate in
immoral, atrocious actions against Iraqi civilians. Joshua then
discovered that it is easy to join the American army but very
difficult to get out. Joshua deserted the army and escaped to Canada
in 2005.
In the 9 years since, Joshua has been an outspoken
critic of the American occupation of Iraq, publishing an
internationally acclaimed book, The Deserter's Tale, giving
countless interviews and speeches. He has married a Canadian (and
Winnipegger), Alexina, and they have three young kids. Joshua is not
here illegally, as his application for spousal sponsorship is before
the courts, he just can't get a work permit or health care.
In
the summer of 2011, the Harper Conservatives deported War Resister
Kimberly Rivera to the United States, where she was put back in the
military, court-martialled, imprisoned and has recently been released.
The issue of War Resisters may not seem pressing right now, but it can
become very urgent for people like Kimberly and Joshua at any
moment.
Joshua is an excellent speaker and given that he and his
family are living in Winnipeg, we want to put on a speaking and
fundraising event, bring people together and get back to building
support and awareness. 100% of the proceeds are going directly to the
Key Family.
It has come to our attention that many people are interested in supporting this important cause, but are not able to attend this event. All donations are graciously welcomed and accepted.
If anyone is interested in attending, please see the following information:
Living in Limbo: a dinner, fundraiser and discussion about a War Deserter family's struggles in Canada
Monday, May 12, 2014at 7:00pmat the St Matthews Church (also called West End Commons), St Matthews and Maryland
Suggested donation $20 (pay what you can)
For further information, please contact, livinginlimbo2014@gmail.com
Peace & Love.
Co-sponsored by: Peace Alliance Winnipeg, Project Peacemakers, Council of Canadians – Winnipeg Chapter, Winnipeg Peoples Social Forum, Independent Jewish Voices – Winnipeg, Canadian Dimension, Food Not Bombs, Open Door Press, Courage To Resist