Casa Hogar Los Angelitos

By Manzanillo Sun Writer from the June 2014 Edition

Involvement financially in Casa Hogar Los Angelitos is a great investment in improving lives. Almost everyone of us is suspicious that if we donated to something, our money would not go to the bottom line. That place where our hard earned money makes a difference. We can testify that gifts to CHLA go right to the bottom line! We know that CHLA’s administration is minimal because the whole place is run by the ‘largest single donors’, Nancy Nystrom and her husband David. In addition, tax receipts are available via Rotary International meaning, depending on your taxable income, you could give a gift of $1000 for a net cost to you of $600. Not bad!

Two things make CHLA different different from other facilities (Casa Hogars) that clothe, house, feed and provide safety to children:

First, Casa Hogar Los Angelitos attempts to develop the young person by educating them toward a career, and releasing into the community, a person who has developed skills and is ready to conCanyontribute to society in Mexico. This is important in that it breaks the cycle that just repeats itself if children are returned to their native environment at 15 or so years of age. Currently, CHLA has several young men and women in universities and technical schools, all of this sponsored by people like you who with your wise generosity, are making a measurable difference.

Secondly, part of what makes CHLA unique is that the founder, Nancy Nystrom, had the idea that expressive arts may help some of these children deal with their sometimes very difficult pasts. Her idea has gradually progressed to where many of the children in CHLA and even some from surrounding communities, have joined the Ballet Folklorico Casa Hogar Los Angelitos.

According to Professor Don Phelps from Aurora University in Chicago, Casa Hogar Los Angelitos is doing something that is just not accomplished in other orphanages he has visited. Although this link takes some minutes to watch, please take the time to do so: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f17d7QlbwXk

Now, if you have taken time to watch the above link (Congratulations!). Then this short link will introduce you to what Albertan’s and visitors will enjoy this July: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFxNjOVXW2I

Ballet Folklorico Casa Hogar Los Angelitos, known internationally as “Danzas Folklorica Manzanillo Viva” will perform July in:

Canmore Collegiate High School Auditorium 1800 8th Ave

July 18, 2014, 7:30 pm

Canmore, Alberta, Canada CHLA Canyon Creek Christian Church 333 MidPark Way SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Sunday July 20, 2014, 3:00 pm

TransCanada Theatre – Olds College 4500 50th St Olds, Alberta

July 21, 2014, 7:00 pm
Ticket Info: www.oldskiwanis.org/concert.htm

Wednesday, July 23rd- 7:00 PM

MACLAB Centre for the Performing Arts 4308-50 Street Leduc, Alberta, Canada

Phone: 780-986-5503 for ticket information Sponsor-Leduc Rotary Club

Thursday, July 24th-7:00 PM

L’UNI Theatre- la Cite Francophone 8627-91 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Phone: 780-469-8400 for ticket information

Sponsorship is critical, needed, and appreciated. Some Albertans stepped up last fall, providing funds to cover the costs to acquire Canada’s onerous but necessary

Visas (some children have no recorded past making acquiring visa information very difficult). Costs for Danza Folkloirico are very tightly monitored, and the program’s funding is kept totally separate from the needs at CHLA. This program must be self sustaining and has been from its beginning. It functions only because individuals realize the great value being achieved with limited funds, and then step up and give their support. Please, let’s get together and make this first Alberta tour a financial success!

All gifts are welcome and gifts of $500 or more are eligible for a tax receipt. Please send to: Rotary Club of West Winnipeg, 1874 Portage Ave, Unit 201, Winnipeg, MB., OR go to any TD branch and direct deposit to: TD Canada Trust, 2030 Corydon Ave, Winnipeg, MB, Bank number 004, Branch number 05127, Charity bank a/c number- 5200603, Swift Code – TDOMCATTTOR. After which, please send an email to Dr. Jack Peterson with your donation information and tax receipt instructions including your return address: jack@cogmation.com

Tax deductible donations received prior to May 20th will be acknowledged in the Dance Program to be printed soon. For more information, donors are most welcome to contact Sue Jackson, the volunteer Coordinator for the Alberta Tour who can be reached at: firesidesue@aol.com.

This Folkloric Dance experience will open your mind to understanding some of Mexico’s cultural history. Hearts will be warmed by these young people who have experienced adversity and trauma but are recovering and bringing their culture to us with pride, self – confidence, and the brightest smiles! It was noted in Iowa, “Words cannot capture the impact of performances that resulted in standing ovations, tears running down cheeks, or audiences seeking out the performers to have photos taken.”

This photo of some of the CHLA dancers was taken at the Casa Hogar Los Angelitos open house, Feb. 1, 2014

Viva Mexico, Viva Canada, Viva Alberta! See you in July,

Mark & Vicky Wright www.MexicoDream.ca

Download the full edition or view it online