A Southern African Celebration

Mark Canes

[fusion_text]

I thought today I’d share with you the following write-up on a fund-raising event  held on June 21st, where my company (Blue Link) was one of the event sponsors, and of which I am proud to have been one of the organizers. The following was written by Samantha Hornby:

 Even though Toronto boasts a diverse culture, it is sometimes easy to get stuck in your neighborhood’s cultural bubble. This is why events such as the recently held “Southern African Celebration” are great opportunities to explore another culture. The event gave guests a chance to learn more about Southern Africa through traditional dance performances, exotic South African foods and wines and an exhibit of hand-carved stone sculptures from Zimbabwe.

 The event was held at the historical Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto, and began with a silent auction, various appetizers and the chance to peruse Zimbabwean and South African art on display.   This was accompanied by the entertainment of Derek de Beer from the drum circle Rhythm Safari who, with the help of some brave audience members, demonstrated his drumming talent. If guests were not too full from the assortment of appetizers by the time dinner came, they were treated to a selection of barbequed meats and vegetables, all cooked with a South African flair.  During the meal, guests were entertained by an amazing group of young men from the Mafa Dance Village who performed traditional South African dances and a bongo routine.  Afterwards the guests were invited to help themselves to a collection of desserts and the live auction began; thanks and congratulations to all those who won! As the night started to wind down and the silent auction closed, a few energetic souls took to the dance floor as Brian Litvin and Jabulani took the stage as the final performance of the evening.

[/fusion_text][youtube id="yFOPYLTu3Rg" width="600" height="350" autoplay="no" api_params="" class=""][fusion_text]Overall, the event was a huge success and Blue Link Associates was proud to be a sponsor of such an exciting evening, in which approximately $30,000 was raised.  Blue Link president Mark Canes said, “This is such an enjoyable way to give back to communities in Southern Africa, where I came from, and Canada, my true home – I’m very proud of all who attended and contributed so generously.”

 All proceeds from the event will be donated to ZimArt’s primary school construction project in rural Zimbabwe and Mariposa in the School’s cross cultural programming for students in Ontario.  Thanks to all who attended and donated!

[/fusion_text]