(The following article is from the June 1-15, 2010, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading communist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers and  overseas readers - $50 per year. Send to: People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)

Our Fund Drive for 2010 has now reached 61.4% of our target. By May 21, we have $30,711 towards our goal of $50,000. That means nearly another $6,000 has been raised since the previous issue - a welcome addition, but also a reminder that we need to step up the pace.

Several successful events were held in recent days, especially the Burnaby Club’s annual  Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast, which drew a record crowd of about 60 readers and brought in $737. Great work!

Our Saskatchewan supporters are still in the lead, now with $745 raised on their $800 target, or 93.1%. With just $55 more, Saskatchewan will be first across the finish line! Ontario has jumped into second place, at 63.5%.

So far we have received $13,712 from Ontario readers towards their provincial target of $21,600. Quebec is now in third place, with $300 raised, or 60% of their $500 target. Next is Manitoba, with $1,345 turned in or 56%, followed by British Columbia  readers, who have passed the halfway mark, raising $10,019 of their $20,000 goal. Alberta remains at 39.7%, with $1350 out of $3400 raised. Newfoundland has sent in 20% of their $400 goal, and we have $120 from the Maritimes, or 10% of their $1200 target. Another $900 has been raised by miscellaneous and overseas friends.

This issue looks at the past, present and future of the working class movement. June will be a  month to remember the battles of 1935, and to build solidarity with our sisters and brothers on the front lines of the struggle against neoliberalism in Greece. The capitalist agenda will be in our backyard this month, when the G8 and G20 come to Ontario. The working class press today remains a vital weapon in the battle of ideas, just as it was at the time of the On to Ottawa Trek!

British Columbia readers are looking forward to the 18th annual People’s Voice/Rebel Youth  Banquet, starting 6 pm, Saturday, June 5, at the Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Ave. Tickets are just $10; call Sam at 604-254-9836 for more details.

Our biggest fundraiser of the Drive is usually the annual Walk-A-Thon organized by the Lower  Fraser Club. This year’s event will be on Sunday, August 1, at Bear Creek Park in Surrey. Watch our next issue for more information. ●