Newspaper Source Unknown
26 November 2003
Performers Raise Money for International H.O.P.E.
by Barbara Fawcett
Winnipeg - Sisters of the Holy Rock entertained an audience of some 400 at Westminster United Church the evening of Nov. 11 in support of International H.O.P.E. (Health Overseas Project Education) Canada.
The performance ranged from faith-filled to off-the-wall: a number of "sisters" channelled such musical greats as Elvis, the Everly Brothers, and Willy Nelson. Traditional black habits were adorned with silver capes, pigtails and toques.
International H.O.P.E. is a non-profit organization formed in 2001 by Sonia Michalyshen of Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church and Phyllis Reader of Westminster United. Both women had separate experiences of working as nurses in countries overseas, Michalyshen in Malawi and Reader in Ecuador. What they share in dedication, energy and a recognition of a crucial need for medical and surgical supplies in those countries.
When a friend put them in touch, they formed International H.O.P.E. knowing they had to do something to improve conditions in hospitals in less fortunate parts of the world. Their Winnipeg employers, Saint-Boniface and Concordia hospitals, agreed to contribute outdated but useable supplies and equipment that otherwise would have been discarded. Their home parishes contribute storage and staging space. Volunteers contribute skill and energy to gather and pack supplies and to canvass for donations to pay for shipping.
Word has spread about the organization and as rural health conetres amalgamate and upgrade facilities, they donate their old supplies and equipment. When more space was needed for storage and apcking, a local business owner came forward to offer 4,000 square feet of warehouse space and more volunteers arrived to offer help and raise money for shipping.
As a result of these efforts, shipments have been sent to nine countries including Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba. The largest shipment so far - a 40-foot container packed with hospital beds, IV poles, crutches, and more - was senst to Ukraine in July. In September, seven members of International H.O.P.E. went to Ukraine to assist with unpacking and distributing the contents of teh container.
"This is recycling at its very best," said Michalyshen.
Sisters (as well as some Brothers) of the Holy Rock are an exuberant musical order unencumbered by exclusivity of gender or faith. They were formed in 1993 with 24 members of Winnipeg Grey Street United Church and St. Bernadette Roman Catholic Parish, but soon grew to 60 voices and took their spirited and spiritual music on the road. They have since performed over 500 concerts, entertained over 200,000 people and raised nearly $1.5 million for charity through their performances.