Alphonse Gerwing Legacy Auction

The "Alphonse Gerwing Legacy Auction" is being held in honour of the 10th anniversary of Alphonse Gerwing's passing on Nov. 9th, 2007. All proceed's will go to the Alphonse Gerwing Charitable Foundation in order to continue his work in support of the homeless, marginalized and landless people of Brazil.

Alphonse Gerwing Charitable Foundation - Misson Statement

To quote Al,

"I, Alphonse M. Gerwing, do liaison work for Canadian based NGO's (Non-Government Organizations) with their partners in the State of Alagoas, in Brazil's Northeast.
The Northeast of Brazil is a vast area of "miseria" where the great majority (a mix of black, American native, and white people) are landless and, when forced off the land because an owner mechanized or turned from sugar cane to raising cattle - are homeless. They are in the main, illiterate and are excluded from the political, social and economic life of the numerically small middle class elite. The NGO's on whose behalf I work are Rainbow of Hope for Children and Peace & Development."

Our Foundation is currently supporting three projects in north-east Brazil that Al was instrumental in forming and funding. These projects are:
- The School of Family Agriculture
- Education and Citizenship
- Rural Women and Fisherwomen of Alagoas
Some of the ongoing needs of these programs are as follows:
- Develop land for growing vegetables
- Install irrigation for growing crops
- Purchase farm equipment (planters, fertilizer applicators, wheelbarrows)
- Provide counselling, workshops and seminars for women and youth at risk of substance abuse, violence and prostitution
- Hold workshops on skill development to enhance employability
- Provide materials and training in music and sports activities
- Provide literacy and computer training

As you can see, there are many continuing needs in the projects that Al started. I encourage each of you to consider participating in this online auction in support of Al's Foundation. Your donation adds to the principal value of the Foundation. The earnings are used to fund projects each year so all contributons continue to "give" year after year.

If instead of participating in the auction, you would prefer to make a donation, please go to the "Donation" section on our website at: www.thealgerwingfoundation.com

Thank you for your support!