Dear friends of EPES,
British politician Tony Benn once said that the human heart needs to keep two flames burning: the flame of anger against injustice and the flame of hope that we can build a better world. I think this Update will help fuel the latter—it’s sorely needed these days! I think you’ll be inspired by EPES’ work toward food sovereignty and sustainability, and by their efforts to help Haitian women learn Spanish so that they can more fully participate in Chilean society.
At the November 5 fundraiser mentioned in this Update, Action for Health in the Americas board member and longtime friend of EPES, Tim Frasca spoke about why he supports EPES:
- EPES doesn’t spend your money on fundraising, as often happens with the big nonprofits;
- EPES provides relief for disasters, but its real work starts after the cameras have left and the headlines faded: long-term recovery;
- EPES has a toolkit with which it empowers people to take control of their needs and mobilize as communities in mutual support, and to demand that governments respond;
- EPES has a model that has expanded throughout Latin America and even reached Africa;
- EPES exercises enormous leverage through its expert coalition work with others to fight key battles (such as better nutrition labeling and tobacco control).
John Lennon famously invited us to “imagine all the people, living life in peace,” but as we enter this season traditionally associated with joy and peace, many of us find it difficult to do so. Seeing the work EPES has done—and continues to do—to help build a more dignified life for the people of Chile helps fuel my imagination and keep that fire of hope burning. I hope it will do the same for you.
Thank you again for all you do to make it possible.
In solidarity and peace,
Christina Mills MD FRCPC
