$50,000 FUND DRIVE

(The following article is from the June 16-30, 2009, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading communist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $25/year, or $12 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $25 US per year; other overseas readers - $25 US or $35 CDN per year. Send to: People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 133 Herkimer St., Unit 502, Hamilton, ON, L8P 2H3.)

    On page 6 of this issue, our “Youth Fightback” column looks at the right-wing corporate media stereotypes of “dangerous youth.” In fact, People’s Voice works to expose a wide range of such stereotypes - the wild-eyed radical, the greedy trade unionist, the subversive communist, the ungreateful immigrant, etc. The labour and democratic movements in Canada are grappling with critical problems and working to organize around policies to turn this country away from destruction. But all too often, the corporate media shuts out these voices, or paints them as “fringe” movements and “professional protesters.”

    To combat this caricature, People’s Voice features a wide range of articles and commentaries, not just from the Communist movement, but from our friends and allies who need to get their messages out across the country. That’s a major reason why the working class press is crucial to the struggles for justice and equality, and why we need your support in this year’s Fund Drive for $50,000.

    We made good progress in the past two weeks, bringing in another $5,947. Our new total is $36,325, or 72.6% of our target.

Ontario continues to hold the lead, with $19,599 raised, or 89%% of their $22,000 target, followed by Alberta, with $1928 turned in, or 80.3% of their $2400 goal. Manitoba is now at 67% ($1615 out of $2400), and Saskatchewan is next with 62.5% ($500 out of $800). Much of our remaining target will come from British Columbia, where the Fund Drive was put on hold during the recent provincial election. BC has now reached 53.5% ($11,018 raised out of a $20,600 target).

    Part of the BC target will be raised at our 17th Annual PV Victory Banquet, set for Saturday, June 20, at the Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Ave., Vancouver. The Banquet Committee has announced that the programme will start at 6 pm, with dinner served at 7 pm. They promise over 20 door prizes, cabaret-type entertainment, live music, “food of the world” (including vegetarian options), and “the best company in the Lower Mainland.” This year’s guest speaker will be Sam Hammond, BC provincial organizer of the Communist Party. Tickets for this extravaganza are on a sliding scale, $10-$20 for adults (children under 12 free). You can pay at the door, or pick up advance tickets at the PV Editorial Office, 706 Clark Drive, tel. 604-255-2041 or 604-254-9836.

    Details of the PV Walk-A-Thon, organized every July in Surrey’s Bear Creek Park by the Lower Fraser Club, will be announced soon. See next issue for details!

       As you know, we are once again offering something in return for your generous solidarity. This year’s “PV Shopping Bag” includes the following: