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Friendship Fundraising Dinner

16th Annual Friendship Dinner Offers Fellowship and Inspiration

House of Friendship's annual Friendship Fundraising Dinner gave over 300 guests an intimate look at volunteerism at home and abroad as they listened to guest speaker Jane Roy share her powerful personal story of volunteering around the world, particularly in Southern Sudan. Guests also enjoyed a delicious homecooked supper and reconnecting with friends. Throughout, and at the end of the evening, they were treated to a muscial performance by local entertainer Mike Erb. Many thanks to guests, sponsors and volunteers for making it a very special evening, and for raising $18,000 for daily programs in support of our neighbours in need.

Guest Speaker - Jane Roy, Co-Executive Director, London Food Bank, Sponsored by the Mennonite Foundation of Canada

Jane Roy has worked at the London Food Bank for the past 25 years and is currently the Co-Executive Director. She is active in poverty issues, having served on the Mayor's Anti-Poverty Task Force, the Hunger Relief Advisory Committee and the Children and Youth Network in London.

Jane is also a veteran of many disaster and relief crises. Her volunteer activism has taken her to Rwanda, Iraq (during the first Gulf War), Bosnia, Somalia, Guatemala and Sudan. She has written many local newspaper articles to promote awareness of both the opportunities and responsibilities facing Canadians.

Jane and her husband Glen Pearson are also the volunteer Executive Directors of CASS (Canadian for Southern Sudan- a rights, relief and development charity). Having been asked to direct their attention to the education of former slave children, Pearson and Roy expanded that original proposal to include educating former child soldiers and especially girls in those communities who had little opportunity for education. The efforts of this husband and wife team have brought the plight of the people of Southern Sudan to national and international attention. They have also adopted 3 sudanese children - Abuk, Achan and Ater.

Entertainment - Mike Erb, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/educator

Mike considers himself lucky to be able to make music for a living.  He's played and recorded with many different artists – some of them you’ve heard of, and some of them you.  Both are equally as important to him. He's recorded three CD’s under his name, has served as musical director for singer/songwriters, musicals and churches, and has donated services to many local and international charitable organizations including Habitat for Humanity, MCC, MCEC, Canadian Cancer Society, and more.  He's been an educator for over ten years, teaching 62 students weekly – both privately and at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate.