(The following article is from the June 16-30, 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.)

We’re getting closer to the finish line, but we still need a big push to go over the top! Our Fund Drive for 2010 has now reached 70% of our target. By June 7, we have received $35,009 towards our goal of $50,000. Recent successful fundraisers included the 18th Annual People’s Voice/Rebel Youth Banquet at the Russian Hall in Vancouver. Thanks to the Shelton family which provided most of the delicious dinner, and to all the other volunteers who made it a great evening.

Congratulations to our Saskatchewan supporters, who are now officially the first province to meet the target, with exactly 100% of their $800 goal turned in.

Ontario is not far behind, at 85.2%, with $18,397 of their $21,600 raised so far. Quebec is still in third place, with $300 raised, or 60% of their $500 target. British Columbia has moved into fourth, with $11,467 of their $20,000 target, or 57%. Next is Manitoba, with $1,345 turned in (56%), followed by Alberta at 39.7%, with $1350 out of $3400 raised. Newfoundland has sent in 20% of their $400 goal, and we have $170 from the Maritimes, or 14.2% of their $1200 target.  Another $1100 has been raised by miscellaneous and overseas friends.

This issue looks at the class struggles of 1935, in particular the Corbin miners’ strike and the “Battle of Ballantyne Pier.” Also, the tragic assault by Israeli commandos against the Gaza  Freedom Flotilla, and the heroic response by the peace activists and the peoples of Palestine  and the world, occupies a prominent place in our pages. International solidarity has been a hallmark of the working class press in Canada from the very first issue of The Worker, back in 1922. Please send your donations to help us carry on this proud tradition!

Toronto-area readers should mark Saturday, July 3, 2-5 pm (rain or shine) on your calendars.  That’s the annual People’s Voice BBQ hosted by the Davenport Club, at 58 Albany Ave. (one  block east of Bathurst, north of Bloor). This feast is just $20 for “all you can eat”, and kids under 12 get in free. Please RSVP to let them know how many people to expect. You can email to olatif@sympatico.ca, or call 416-536-6671.

Our biggest fundraiser of the Drive is usually the annual Walk-A-Thon organized by the Lower  Fraser Club CPC. This year’s event will be on Sunday, August 1, at Bear Creek Park in Surrey. Call Harjit for details, at 604-543-7179.

As a mark of appreciation for your generosity, we are once again offering supporters  complimentary gifts. For each $100 in donations, you can choose one of these black and white portraits, mounted on card, matted and ready for framing: Che Guevara, Clara Zetkin, Augusto Cesar Sandino, Bhagat Singh, Gall (Sioux), Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, Louis Riel, Jeanne Corbin, or Gladys Marin. Other choices include music CDs or a copy of our 2010 Women’s Socialist Calendar. ●