By Margot Thomas

FOR THE FIRST TIME in seven years the CanadaPLUS Foundation will not be hosting a Canada Day (July 1) event because of time pressures linked to other upcoming  events, and a need for boots on the ground.

However some members  and other Canucks  will be gathering on the  terrace at Canadian owned Solomon’s Montreal Deli  from 4 pm on with  an offer  of 50% off Poutine, mini smoked meat sandwiches, mini Peameal Bacon Sandwiches, red and white jello shots and Canadian Moscow Mules.  There will be  lots of Canadian music and a raffle for a smoked meat picnic

Solomon’s in Paitilla Mall  was the scene of a recent Foundation celebration of Montreal’s 375^th anniversary.

[caption id="attachment_65937" align="alignleft" width="300"] Carols by Candlelight[/caption]

Meanwhile the Foundation’s limited crew is busy working on an upcoming Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre; for the Thanksgiving Dinner in October  and connecting with sponsors and performers for sponsors for  the 6^th annual Carols by Candlelight charity event which  has become a Christmas season tradition in Panama, and this year will be raising  funds for the Hospital Del Nino to assist newborns with hearing deficiencies.

Over the years the Carols event has made contributions in cash, equipment and technical services, to Hogar Malambo,  Fundacion Calicanto, Vision of Hope, Hospital Santo Tomas and the National Ballet. Since  the CanadaPLUS Club morphed into the current CanadaPLUS  Foundation it  has  organized dozens of events ranging from exploration tours, seasonal celebrations like 12th night, March Madness Chinese New Year,  and Thanksgiving,  and  has brought visiting choirs to the city,  CanadaPLUS also initiated a discounted health insurance plan  all  of which has helped to  introduce  some  $2 million into the local economy. Not bad for a two person volunteer team.

The name CanadaPLUS was chosen because the founders wanted to reflect the diversity of  Canada’s multi-cultural population, with the PLUS including all nationalities. The Foundation has registered supporters from over 25 countries including Panama.

Now the Foundation’s founders are struggling under the weight of success. It’s current a very small team, which is aided by a temp in the run-up to Candles, urgently needs volunteer support either to serve on a committee overlooking events or to develop ideas and pick up the ball and run.

You don’t have to be Canadian and you will get a warm welcome. A meeting is planned for Thursday July 12, at 7 pm   in Bella Vista.

If you would like to get involved call 6619-6890, or email clubcanadaplus@gmail.com