Alternavox Recommends: Barriando (Haiti Benefit)
Because all of us here at Alternavox have been incredibly moved, saddened and heart broken by the sad images filling our computer and TV screens. Because we can’t find it in ourselves to remain detached nor cynical in front of the genuine human pain and suffering in front of us. Because solidarity should never be an empty word and we should see the people in Haiti as who they genuinely are, our brothers and sisters. Because of many reasons like this I would humbly ask anyone reading this to continue finding ways to support, to send aid and to help rebuild a country devastated by nature but also by poverty that should be outlawed.
Among the many wonderful events out there looking to help out this crisis one that stands out is a community party called Barriando ( a play on a Spanish word barrio or neighborhood) because it is very much a grassroots effort I am happy to recommend it. There will be dancing, drumming and Latin rhythms galore DJ eLman plus the unique and intense dancing of MataDanZe and incredibly it is actually FREE.
Having said that they will be collecting funds that will go directly to financing the efforts of Cuban doctors that have been providing free medical care in Haiti even BEFORE the disaster happened and who have tirelessly and selflessly continued their humanitarian role.
Donations can be made at the event and to:
The Cuba for Haiti Mackenzie-Papineau Memorial Fund
Charitable Revenue Canada Reg, #88876 9197RR0001
Let us all join in helping Haiti while having a good time. This is also an opportunity to join the past and the present and like the volunteers of the Mackenzie-Papineau battalion who gave their lives for democracy in the 30’s fighting against fascism and for liberty, we can now carry that honorable torch to heal pain and poverty in Haiti.
Cuban doctor in Haiti
Mackenzie-Papineau Batallion
Details:
Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 8:00pm
1482 Bathurst St. (at St Clair West) steps from the St Clair Subway Station.
Level Four - CUPE 4400
www.barrio-nuevo.org
Author: 
Publisher-Creator Mikhail Saavedra began life down by the deepest tip of southern Latin America. He started life with a deep curiosity for all things, with music and books being at the forefront, a curious child by all accounts. As he grew and opened his eyes to the world, he developed a sense of justice and dignity in part as a reaction to growing up in a military dictatorship. Alas, this did not fill him with fear or cynicism but a more rebellious spirit, which led him to being incredibly popular at the principal’s office and the local riot police department….
Then came Canada and it was here that he was able to formulate his deep desire to learn about the world, with Toronto being the kind of multicultural soup that could engage his need to know and embrace. It started with writing, then moved on to what became Toronto’s first Latin Alternative radio show, followed by an all-English show in the same vein. It was this desire to find the true “crossover” among people, which led him to the concept of “Alternavox”
He is a lover of wine, good food, Neruda, Eduardo Galeano, rebel music, revolutionaries, dancing, family and beautiful people. Believes that kindness in this much too cynical world is revolutionary, that you are a better person when able to give a little without asking for the change and that on the same token you should laugh at yourself and the madness surrounding you as often as possible as you set out to change the world bit by bit. 