Spring is almost here...

Yesterday was such a nice day here in Vancouver... and I was watching the birds going around, really busy, building their nests, and I couldn't but think of all those people in Chile who lost their houses... if it only were that easy for them to rebuild...
For them, reality is quite different.  Whatever they try, it is a painful process.  I was talking to my niece yesterday, and she says Concepcion is not receiving any visible help from the government.  She is trying to fix her house, but construction material is so expensive now... prices have doubled or tripled... Winter is coming, and Concepcion is like here, in Vancouver, it doesn't rain... it pours...
Anyway, some coastal areas are already seeing some recovery... some small towns are already opening new schools, and some fishermen have already been able to recover their boats.  A lot of people are working together in any way they can to help the victims of the earthquake.
I am really touched by all those volunteers, long hours, no pay, only the satisfaction that they are doing their part...

For those of you who want to help, there are lots of ways of doing it:

This Saturday, March 27, 2010:  Trout Lake, 3350 Victoria Drive.  From 9am to 6pm:  Soccer games: $5 to play.  Children matches in the morning.  Afternoon for adults.  And you will also be able to buy EMPANADAS!!!  Yeah!!!

Also, this is happening in Vancouver, in April:

Special Presentation on CHILE

Fundraiser for the victims of the 20101 Earthquake
Friday, April 9 at 7:00 PM - Ferry Building Gallery
1414 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver, BC

Tuesday, April 13 at 7:30 PM - University of British Columbia
6138 Student Union Boulevard - Room 207-209, Vancouver, BC

"Join us for a special show on Chile, where the Central-South Region has been ravaged by a terrible earthquake and tsunami on February 27, 2010.
Peter Langer had just returned from an extensive journey through Chile in 2009/2010 and will update you about current conditions; an overview of the country, as well as talk about the tourism attractions of the country, which for the most part have not been affected by the tremors.
Admission is by donation and all profits will go to Canadian Medical Assistance Teams and tax receipt will issued for donations over $ 25.00
Hope to see you all at the shows
Best regards,

Peter Langer
Managing Director
Associated Media Group"